The warmer months are filled with fun outdoor activities, from pool days to barbecues and bike rides. But nothing can put a damper on a great day like getting stung by sweet summertime. So we’re sharing ways to avoid bug bites and stings this summer, and what to do if it happens to you!

What to Look For

A sting is usually just a minor inconvenience but can result in serious health issues for some. Once stung, it’s crucial to pay close attention to how your body reacts.  If you have a history of allergic reactions, you should always keep epinephrine on you and alert your family and friends of your triggers. Below are the differences between the symptoms of a normal reaction and an anaphylactic reaction.

Non-allergic insect reactions:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching

Allergic reaction:

• Itching
• Hives
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Swelling in the tongue or throat

If you find yourself experiencing an allergic reaction, give us a call at 219-554-9911 or seek medical attention right away.

Protect and Prevent

While most insects buzzing around are just an annoyance, some can be dangerous.

Common stinging insects listed from harmless to harmful include:

1. Fire ant
2. Honey bee
3. Yellowjacket
4. Wasp
5. Hornet
6. Harvester ant
7. Tarantula hawk wasp

Although their bites are not outright painful, another insect to be cautious of is the tick. Ticks leave a bullseye-like rash on your skin that expands with time. Ticks carry Lyme disease and can also transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. In 2018, the CDC warned Americans that diseases from mosquito, fleas, and tick bites have skyrocketed in recent years.

However, there are ways to protect yourself from bugs and insects, and we’re not just talking about using bug spray.

Avoid stings this summer with these ten helpful tricks:

1. Remove old tree stumps or piles of debris that insects could nest in
2. Don’t leave food uncovered outside
3. If you have a drink outside, especially a sugary one, drink it out of a cup rather than a can
4. Drive with the windows up on your car  
5. Keep outdoor trash cans away from the house, and put a lid on them
6. If an insect is flying around, stay still and don’t panic. Once you start swatting at them, it may cause them to sting.
7. Wear shoes outside, especially in grassy areas
8. Don’t attempt to remove a hive or nesting area yourself
9. Avoid wearing sweet-smelling fragrances while spending time outdoors
10. Install screens on windows if they are going to be open frequently

If you get stung, the first steps are to go inside and wash the bite with warm water and soap. Apply a cold compress or ice to the area to mitigate swelling. Antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec can help with the itching, but it’s important not to scratch or touch the area too much, as this can lead to further irritation and possible infection. At-home care should never be done in place of proper medical care.

If you or your child experience severe side effects from a sting or bug bite, come see us at 7904 Cabela Dr. or give us a call at 219-554-9911. Open 24/7, our excellent staff of nurses and doctors will have you fixed up and feeling better in no time!

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. NW Indiana ER & Hospital delivers the emergency care you deserve, 24/7, 365 days a year.

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Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, NW Indiana ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.