A lot of snakes have venom so toxic that even getting a small amount in a paper cut on your hand can be deadly. Even if you don't die, you run the risk of various other dangers such as amputation. What's more it's hard to determine how much will effect a person because how potent the venom will be depends not just on the species, but on the individual snake - as well as the individual person. As far as I know they haven't actually developed any proper data on what amount would be "safe" for the average human, let alone on a snake by snake basis.
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A false water cobra, for example, has venom that will barely effect most people at all. A king cobra, meanwhile, has venom potent enough to take down an elephant.
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Additionally - at least the second time this man was bitten, he had antivenom on hand and applied quickly. I imagine antivenom was involved several of the other times he was bitten as well (and he still spent time hospitalized)
Antivenom is mandatory to keep on hand in most places you own venemous - and the type needed varies from species to species. The amount needed also varies. Iirc the Taipan, which is regarded as having potentially the lethalest venom in the world, it is recommended that there be at LEAST 10 vials of antivenom. More may well be required.
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Keeping that in mind, it also helps to know that some antivenom can cost over $2,000. Per vial.
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And you'll likely STILL require hospitalization. antivenom is designed to help fight off the venom, but if it's a particularly lethal type of snake, you will likely Still be relying on doctors to make sure your heart doesn't explode and to monitor any tissue necrosis
And that's all assuming the snake in question has antivenom. Not all of them do. Or that the antivenom works. It doesn't always.
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There's also the issue that snake fangs can contain venom even when separate from the snake - meaning if the fang breaks off or is left lying around you have the potential of being re-envenomated all over again.
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So, yes, in theory most humans could potentially build up a tolerance to venom. But the trial and error process would be long-lasting and the casualty list would be extremely costly and extremely high.
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All of which leads me back to my original point: not something recommended for the average person to do.
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If there were a remotely reliable manner of accomplishing it, I imagine most venomous snake handlers would already have started the process haha
On the topic of antivenom: it’s not an instant cure. It just stops the symptoms from becoming deadly. You’d still need to spend time in the hospital regardless.
@creativedragonbaby indeed. I did mention that somewhere in my long ramble, haha. It does, again, depend on the venom and (to a degree) the person in question. Some people with less potent venom will be okay, but that's an IF, not a guarantee.
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And, again, that's not counting what you may experience AFTER the venom has worn off. Tissue necrosis and infection is a very real threat
Additional info:
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Venemous reptile handlers are required in most places to keep handbooks of every type of species they have, what the effects of it's venom will be, what anti-venom is required, and I believe info on the nearest hospital.
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Many of them also recommend having someone else with you anytime you're handling venemous because, on the chance something DOES go wrong, you may not be able to get to a hospital or even contact one in time.
Just know how much is safe
.
A false water cobra, for example, has venom that will barely effect most people at all. A king cobra, meanwhile, has venom potent enough to take down an elephant.
.
Additionally - at least the second time this man was bitten, he had antivenom on hand and applied quickly. I imagine antivenom was involved several of the other times he was bitten as well (and he still spent time hospitalized)
.
Keeping that in mind, it also helps to know that some antivenom can cost over $2,000. Per vial.
.
And you'll likely STILL require hospitalization. antivenom is designed to help fight off the venom, but if it's a particularly lethal type of snake, you will likely Still be relying on doctors to make sure your heart doesn't explode and to monitor any tissue necrosis
.
There's also the issue that snake fangs can contain venom even when separate from the snake - meaning if the fang breaks off or is left lying around you have the potential of being re-envenomated all over again.
.
.
So, yes, in theory most humans could potentially build up a tolerance to venom. But the trial and error process would be long-lasting and the casualty list would be extremely costly and extremely high.
.
All of which leads me back to my original point: not something recommended for the average person to do.
.
If there were a remotely reliable manner of accomplishing it, I imagine most venomous snake handlers would already have started the process haha
.
And, again, that's not counting what you may experience AFTER the venom has worn off. Tissue necrosis and infection is a very real threat
.
Venemous reptile handlers are required in most places to keep handbooks of every type of species they have, what the effects of it's venom will be, what anti-venom is required, and I believe info on the nearest hospital.
.
Many of them also recommend having someone else with you anytime you're handling venemous because, on the chance something DOES go wrong, you may not be able to get to a hospital or even contact one in time.