As the summer season winds down, the season of bees, wasps, and hornets arrives.
This time of year is when those insects are at their most aggressive, and Emplify Health by Bellin is giving some tips on what to do if you are stung.
First and foremost, ensure you have moved to a safe area to avoid further stings; then, remove the stinger, if present, by scraping the skin with a flat edge (such as a credit card).
Be sure to avoid pinching the stinger, which can push more venom into the skin.
Also, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling, and take an over-the-counter antihistamine or pain reliever as needed for discomfort.
If you are allergic to bee and hornet stings, be sure you immediately seek medical attention.
Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath, swelling of the face, throat, tongue or lips, hives or widespread rash that spreads beyond the sting site, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and feeling of throat tightness or difficulty swallowing.
To learn more about free epinephrine training, visit EpiForDilly.com.
