Health Feature Articles
Don't Bug Me
Angela Fletcher, Human Development Regional Specialist, University of Missouri Extension Douglas County
Adapted from Family Time/Work Time: July 2003, Penn State Cooperative Extension.
Summer weather brings insects and bugs. This can mean
bug bites, which can be a bother. For some people a bite
or sting can mean a serious medical emergency.
Here are some tips to help prevent bug bites or
stings:
- Avoid areas where stinging and biting insects live and nest.
- Keep food covered outdoors.
- Clean outdoor eating, barbecue and garbage areas regularly.
- Avoid disturbing insect nests while mowing or gardening.
- Remember, the things that attract insects are perfumes, sprays, lotions, bright colors, bright or flowered print clothing and trash baskets.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS STUNG
If your child is stung by an insect, such as a bee,
wasp, hornet, yellowjacket, or fire ant, it is important
to watch them carefully. Sometimes a child will have an
extreme allergic reaction to a bite. (This can happen to
anyone, even someone without known allergies to insect
bites.)
Get medical attention for anyone who shows any of the
following symptoms:
- Itching of the skin and a raised rash (hives)
- Flushing (extreme redness of the face and skin)
- Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, hands and feet
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
- Loss of consciousness
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Last Updated 04/25/2008
