SEIU Local 7

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Bug Bite Basics

Although you may find cartoon bugs entertaining, you're unlikely to be
amused when stung by a real bee. After the initial pain, you may experience local swelling and pain, an annoying itch. Fever, painful joints, hives, or swollen glands.

For relief from a mild reaction, follow these tips.

Remove the stinger using a tweezers or by scraping it off with the edge of a credit card. Wash the wound and swab the site with disinfectant.

Use a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling.

Apply calamine lotion or a baking soda paste to the spot several times a
day. Or apply hydro cortisone cream three times a day.

Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol
Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrein).

For more severe reactions, call for emergency medical help. Signs and
symptoms may include:

Difficulty breathing

Swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue

Faintness or confusion

Rapid heartbeat

Hives

Nausea, cramps and vomiting

Only a small percentage of people develop sever reaction. If you've
experienced a server reaction in the past, talk to the doctor about carrying
an allergy kit with injectable epinephrine. Also wear a medical alert
bracelet and train companions on what to do in an emergency.