| Bee stings are not something to mess with. That bee | | | | occurs when a person is stung by a bee, as the |
| stings hurt like heck is common knowledge, but being | | | | victim begins to have difficulty breathing. This usually |
| stung by a bee can be a frightening as well as | | | | occurs within a matter of minutes, if no seconds. |
| life-threatening event. Not only does the pain and | | | | Anaphylactic shock is a very dangerous condition as it |
| burning of a bee sting affect young and old alike, the | | | | restricts air passages. If this happens, you should dial |
| sting of a bee can be deadly. | | | | 911 immediately. |
| Most people are stung by bees in an attempt to | | | | Once a person has experienced anaphylactic shock |
| shoo the bee away or flick the bee off of them. | | | | due to a bee sting, they usually carry a special |
| Since a bee will not sting unless it feels threatened, | | | | antidote commonly known as an “Epi Pen”. |
| one should avoid any type of movement that a bee | | | | These units deliver a dosage of antidote that is the |
| would perceive as threatening. While it may be | | | | exact the exact dose for them. The pens are |
| difficult to sit quietly until the bee makes up his mind | | | | designed to be easy to use and are self |
| to leave, that is usually the best way to avoid stings. | | | | administering. |
| The second most common sting occurs when | | | | If a stranger has been stung, ask them if they are |
| beverage cans are left unattended. The draw of the | | | | allergic to bee stings and if they have an Epi Pen. |
| sweet and sugary taste lures the bees inside the | | | | Anaphylactic shock can happen rapidly. Helping locate |
| soda can where it is hard to see the bee inside. Then | | | | their Epi Pen may save their life. |
| when a person takes a drink, the bee is drenched in | | | | The best way to avoid getting stung is to be alert |
| the beverage. This causes the bee to become | | | | and aware of your surroundings at all times. Always |
| scared and it automatically stings the first thing it | | | | wear shoes when outside to avoid stepping on a bee |
| comes in contact with; usually the lips or tongue. | | | | and being stung. Avoid flower gardens during early |
| If you get stung the first thing you should do is | | | | morning and late afternoon as nectar rises during |
| check to make sure the bee did not leave a stinger | | | | these times and bees naturally congregate around |
| behind. Using a hard piece of cardboard or plastic like | | | | the flowers to collect the sweet. |
| your credit card or drivers license, holding it at a right | | | | If you do get stung honey is known to provide relief |
| angle to the skin gently rub it across the sting. If you | | | | from the pain and swelling of bee stings. If there is |
| hear or feel the stinger take a pair of tweezers and | | | | no allergic reaction, you can apply honey to the sting |
| pull the stinger out of the skin. | | | | site. Honey and an application of ice will often provide |
| Ice applied to the sting will reduce the swelling, heat | | | | quick relief. However, bee stings are not something |
| and pain that sometimes accompany bee stings. | | | | to mess with. If you or a family member is allergic |
| Keep an eye on the sting. Should the area continue | | | | make sure that all family members know where the |
| to swell, become very inflamed and uncomfortable | | | | antidote or Epi Pen is kept and keep one in all |
| contact your health care provider. | | | | vehicles, at school and in your medical kit. |
| Occasionally a severe reaction, anaphylactic shock, | | | | |