What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an allergic condition triggered by the bite of a Lone Star tick. It causes allergic reactions to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a sugar molecule found in most mammals. Symptoms typically appear 3-6 hours after eating red meat, pork, or lamb, and can range from hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. According to the CDC, over 450,000 Americans may have developed AGS since 2010.

What foods should Alpha-Gal patients avoid?

Alpha-Gal patients must avoid all mammalian meat including beef, pork, lamb, venison, and bison. Many also react to mammalian by-products like gelatin (found in gummy vitamins and gel capsules), dairy products, and ingredients derived from mammals such as lard, tallow, and carrageenan. Safe alternatives include poultry (chicken, turkey, duck), fish, seafood, eggs, and all plant-based foods.

What medications are safe for Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Many medications contain hidden mammalian ingredients. Gel capsules and softgels often contain bovine or porcine gelatin. Safe alternatives include tablets, caplets, liquids, and capsules made with vegetable-based HPMC. Always check inactive ingredients for gelatin, magnesium stearate (usually plant-derived in US), lactose, and stearic acid. VectorShield helps patients identify safe medication alternatives.

What are the 4 sensitivity levels of Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-Gal sensitivity varies by patient: Level 1 (Mild, ~40%) - react only to mammalian meat; Level 2 (Moderate, ~30%) - also react to gelatin products; Level 3 (Significant, ~20%) - also react to dairy products; Level 4 (Severe, ~10%) - react to trace amounts and cross-contamination, sometimes called 'super reactors'. Sensitivity can change over time, especially with additional tick bites.

Can Alpha-Gal Syndrome be cured?

There is currently no cure for Alpha-Gal Syndrome, but many patients see improvement over time if they avoid additional tick bites. Some patients report tolerance returning after 1-5 years of strict avoidance and no new tick exposures. However, a single new tick bite can restart or worsen the condition. Management focuses on strict avoidance of trigger foods and carrying emergency medication like epinephrine.

Legal

Privacy Policy

Name: VectorShield
Author: HutchWare, LLC

Last updated: March 2026

1. Introduction

HutchWare, LLC, d/b/a VectorShield ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website.

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

Email address (optional, for newsletter and quiz results)
Sensitivity level and quiz responses
Product scan history (stored locally on your device)
Feedback and support requests

Information Collected Automatically

Device type and operating system version
App usage analytics (anonymized)
Crash reports and error logs

3. How We Use Your Information

To provide and improve our services
To personalize your experience based on sensitivity level
To send you updates about safe products (if you opt in)
To respond to your inquiries and support requests
To analyze app usage and improve features
To conduct research on Alpha-Gal Syndrome (anonymized, aggregated data only)

4. Data Storage and Security

Local Storage: Your scan history, favorites, and preferences are stored locally on your device and synced via iCloud if enabled. We do not have access to this data.

Server Storage: If you provide your email or take our sensitivity quiz, that information is stored securely on our servers using industry-standard encryption.

HIPAA Compliance: While VectorShield is designed with privacy in mind, it is not a covered entity under HIPAA. We do not collect or store protected health information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share data only in these circumstances:

With service providers who help us operate our services (e.g., hosting, analytics)
When required by law or to protect our rights
With your consent for specific purposes
Aggregated, anonymized data for research purposes

6. Your Rights and Choices

Access: Request a copy of your data
Correction: Update inaccurate information
Deletion: Request deletion of your data
Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time
Data Portability: Export your scan history from the app

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@vectorshield.app.

7. Children's Privacy

VectorShield is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@vectorshield.app