I never got it as a kind in NY, but here in NC I get fiercely. My first incident was when I climbed a tree with this leaf less "furry" vine on it. I got poison ivy so badly I ended up in the hospital as my airway was constricting. Now, I just avoid any vine all together. When cutting shooting lanes, I wear jeans, long sleeves and gloves, even when it's 90+ degrees out. Check out: http://www.poison-ivy.org/ They have some good information. For relief, you can try Zanfil, but it's expensive, try $20 for a 1oz. tube. I found that if I wanted some temporary relief form the itching (app. 4-6 hrs.) if I used my wife's hair drier to heat the spot to the point of pain, the itch was gone for a while. Good luck, and I hate that poison ivy shi#.
JC-

BTW, don't forget to wash your clothes and tools really well. The sap will keep you itching for years if you forget to take care of them!!