### How to Treat Bee and Wasp Stings #### Avoiding Stings - **Stay Away**: Keep a distance of 10-20 feet from bee nests. - **Mow Carefully**: Avoid running over nests with your lawnmower. - **Dress Suitably**: Wear long pants and closed shoes; avoid bright colors and floral patterns. - **Skip the Scent**: Avoid floral fragrances in perfumes and toiletries. - **Watch Your Drink**: Bees are attracted to sugary drinks. - **Don't Run**: Stand still if surrounded by bees. - **Wear Repellant**: Use bug spray to repel bees. - **Limit Attractions**: Keep food and trash tightly covered. - **Shut Your Car Windows**: Prevent bees from entering your car. - **Call a Pro**: Have hives or nests removed by professionals. #### First Aid for Allergic Reactions - **Seek Immediate Help**: If you know you're allergic, seek medical help immediately. - **Use Epinephrine**: Carry an epinephrine auto-injector and use as directed. #### First Aid for Non-Allergic Reactions - **Remove the Stinger**: Use a flat object to scrape it out. - **Clean the Wound**: Wash with soap and water. - **Apply Ice**: Reduce swelling and pain. - **Take OTC Pain Relievers**: Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen. - **Monitor for Allergic Reactions**: Seek help if symptoms worsen. #### When to Seek Medical Attention - **Anaphylaxis**: Look for signs like difficulty breathing, swelling, and low blood pressure. - **Multiple Stings**: Seek help if stung multiple times. - **Stings in Sensitive Areas**: Seek help if stung in the mouth, throat, or eyeball. #### Long-Term Prevention - **Allergy Testing**: Consider allergy skin testing if you've had a severe reaction. - **Bee Sting Kits**: Carry a kit with epinephrine if you're allergic. - **Medical Alert Bracelets**: Wear one to inform others of your allergy. - **Venom Immunotherapy**: Consider this treatment to prevent future severe reactions. #### Home Remedies - **Aloe Vera**: May soothe the sting. - **Avoid Vinegar**: It can burn your skin. #### Duration of Symptoms - **Bee Stings**: Symptoms should improve within a few hours and clear up in a few days. - **Wasp Stings**: Should clear up within a week if not allergic.