Although spring brings outdoor activities such as jogging, picnics and baseball, the warmer weather also brings something else: stinging insects. People who have severe allergic reactions to insect stings need to take precautions to avoid being stung, and also know the necessary steps to take if a sting does occur.
Up to 5% of Americans are at risk for a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction from insect stings, called anaphylaxis. In the most severe of cases, there can be a rapid fall in blood pressure which can result in the loss of consciousness, and can sometimes lead to death. Therefore, insect stings must be taken seriously. Most sting reactions are caused by five types of insects:

• Yellow jackets
• Honeybees
• Paper wasps
• Hornets
• Fire ants

Avoiding the Ouch
Prevention is a good treatment for stinging insect allergies. Follow these steps to help protect yourself from being stung:

• Avoid the "territory" of the stinging insect's nest. These insects are most likely to sting if their homes are disturbed, so it is important to have hives and nests around your home destroyed.
• Remain calm and quiet, and slowly move away from the stinging insects.
• Avoid brightly colored clothing and perfume when outdoors. Many stinging insects are searching for food and could confuse you with a flower.
• Be careful when eating or drinking sweet beverages, like soda or juice, outdoors. Also be sure to keep food covered until eaten.
• Wear closed-toe shoes outdoors and avoid going barefoot to steer clear of stepping on a stinging insect.
• Avoid loose-fitting garments that can trap insects between material and skin.

Treatment
Allergic or not, insect stings cause discomfort. It is important to properly take care of the sting to ease the pain. Use the following tips to help:
Elevate the affected area and apply ice or a cold compress to reduce the pain and swelling.

• Gently clean blisters with soap and water to prevent secondary infections; do not break the blisters.
• Use topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines to relieve itching.
• Monitor carefully for symptoms of anaphylaxis. If you experience symptoms, call 911 to get emergency medical treatment immediately.
• Do not pinch the area to remove the stinger. This can result in more venom being released into the skin.
• If severely allergic, inject epinephrine immediately and call 911.

BZZZZ…BEE prepared for anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many body organs and may develop rapidly. This reaction is called anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

• Itching and hives over large areas of the body
• Swelling in the throat or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea or diarrhea

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