How Do I Survive a Honey Bee Sting?

Don't panic. Only 1 to 2 persons in 1000 are allergic to bee stings.

Remove the stinger immediately. The stinger continues to pump its venom into you for up to a minute after the sting. The sooner the stinger is removed, the less venom you will receive.

o Scrape the stinger out with your fingernails. Removing it by using tweezers will only squeeze more the venom into you.

There are two types of reactions to bee stings. How do you tell the difference?

1. The first is a local reaction. This type of reaction is characterized by a red wheal around the sting, pain, swelling, and itching at the bee sting site. The most alarming of these reactions is the swelling which may be severe. For instance, if you are stung on the finger, you may swell all the way up to your elbow. For this reason, if you have any rings or other jewelry on your hands when you stung, remove it immediately. This swelling may last a few days. Itching may also occur. I know this may difficult, but do not scratch it. Keep the site clean and dry. Apply anti-itch medicine to the affected area as needed.

2. The second type of reaction is an allergic (anaphylaxis) or life-threatening reaction. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Do not hesitate. Call the ambulance. Do not attempt to drive yourself the emergency room.

These symptoms are:

o Shortness of breath

o Difficulty swallowing

o Severe rash or hives.

o Stomach cramps or nausea

o Vomiting or diarrhea

o Any swelling that is not in the area of the sting. For instance, a sting to the finger occurs and your neck or tongue starts to swell.

o A faint feeling (this indicates a drop in blood pressure)

Again, if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, call 911, and seek emergency medical help immediately. Note: these symptoms may take up to 30 minutes to develop and time is of the essence. Get help immediately.

A severe reaction to a bee sting can be treated with a medication called epinephrine. If you know that you are allergic to bee stings, your doctor can prescribe a pen (with a needle) that you can inject yourself with should you be stung by a bee. After using the pen, you should still seek medical attention. The pen may only delay the severity of the sting.