Summer is almost over, school season has just begun and lastly, there are angry bees out in abundance. Bees, especially wasps, and yellow jackets are coming to an end of their life cycle. Over the next few weeks they are going to be in “fight or flight” mode, or rather, a stinging mood, making them a threat to you and your family. But, what if my kids are allergic to bee stings? What are the symptoms of an allergic bee sting reaction?
As we enter angry bee season, AFC Urgent Care Danbury will cover bee sting treatment, bee sting reactions and prevention and offer bee sting removal services for you and your family.
How can I protect my kids from bee stings?
- Wear shoes when outdoors, especially in grassy areas.
- Wear clothing to cover as much of the body as possible
- Keep windows and doors screened.
- Keep garbage in sealed receptacles.
- Do not swat at a stinging insect as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction.
- If stung, seek immediate medical attention as reactions can be severe.
- Call a pest professional if you find a nest on your property or suspect an infestation.
If you or your child does get stung however, it's important to understand the difference between a 'normal' reaction to a bee sting, and an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
What does a normal (non-allergic) bee sting look like?
With the majority of bee stings, one will only see minor reactions, such as:
- Itching
- Hives
- Rashes
- Soreness
If this is the extent of your reaction, your child is probably not allergic to bee stings.
If they get stung by a bee, follow these steps!
It might seem like common sense to tweeze out the stinger as the affected area starts to swell. However, using tweezers to remove a bee sting runs the risk of squeezing more venom into the wound. It’s best to remove the stinger by scraping a fingernail over the area or using gauze to wipe it out.
- Remove the stinger (tutorial)
- Apply a cold compress or ice
- Treat with tylenol or NSAID
- Apply topical ointment such as Neosporin to fight any possible infection, and possibly Caladryl, to combat itching
If your child is allergic to bee stings, or develops anaphylaxis, follow these steps:
In the U.S. only 3% of all children stung by bees experience severe allergic reactions, however sometimes a child might get stung 2 or 3 times before having an allergic reaction. Especially if there is a family history of allergic reactions to bees, parents should always be prepared for an allergic reaction if a child is stung, as a severe allergic reaction can be life threatening. A severe bee sting reaction is known as anaphylaxis. If your child is stung and experiences any of the following severe reactions there is a good possibility that they are allergic to bees.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to bee stings, or anaphylaxis
- Throat closes
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Racing heart
- Face or mouth swelling
- Fever
AFC Urgent Care Danbury is ready for Angry bee season
Our providers at all three of our locations are well equipped for the challenges of angry bee season. Come stop by today at any of our AFC locations in Danbury, CT:
- 76c Newtown Rd.
- 100 Mill Plain Rd.
- 2 Main St.
All 3 of our locations are open 7 days a week and ready to treat you. We accept most insurances and we also offer a low cost self-pay option as well. You can walk-in with no appointment needed for bee stinger removals and treatment or you can make an appointment online, here!
