2. Insect bites and stings are often a temporarily painful annoyance,
but they can sometimes become a serious medical emergency.
It may itch or hurt but once the initial pain goes away, the effects
are usually minimal unless you have an allergic reaction to them.
However, insects can spread diseases. Some mosquitoes are known
to spread West Nile virus, malaria and other known infections.
Most insect bites and stings can be treated at home, some may
require a visit to the emergency room.
14. > remove the sting or tick if it's still in the skin.
> wash the affected area with soap and water.
> apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold
water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.
> raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce
swelling
15. > avoid scratching the area,
> to reduce the risk of infection avoid traditional home remedies,
such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they're unlikely to help.
> The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days.
Medications can be taken like-
Painkillers,
Creams for itching
Antihistamines.
17. • you're worried about a bite or sting.
• your symptoms do not start to improve within a few days
or are getting worse.
• you've been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or
near your eyes.
• a large area (around 10cm or more patch of skin) around
the bite becomes red and swollen.
18. • you have symptoms of a wound infection, such as-
- pus
- increasing pain,
- swelling or
- redness.
• you have symptoms of a more widespread infection, such
as-
- High temperature,
- Swollen glands and
- Flu-like symptoms.
20. if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as-
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- a swollen face, mouth or throat
- feeling sick or being sick
- a fast heart rate
- dizziness or feeling faint
- difficulty swallowing
- loss of consciousness
22. There are some simple precautions you can take to reduce your risk of
being bitten or stung by insects-
1. Remain calm and move away slowly if you encounter wasps, hornets
or bees – don't wave your arms around or swat at them.
2. Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
3. Wear shoes when outdoors.
4. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin – repellents that contain 50%
DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective.
5. Avoid using products with strong perfumes, such as soaps, shampoos
and deodorants – these can attract insects.
23. 6. be careful around flowering plants, rubbish, compost, stagnant
water, and in outdoor areas where food is served
7. You may need to take extra precautions while travelling to hills and
advised to take antimalarial tablets to help prevent malaria.
8. never disturb insect nests .
9. avoid camping near water, such as ponds and swamps –
mosquitoes and horseflies are commonly found near water.
10. keep food and drink covered when eating or drinking outside.
11. keep doors and windows closed or put thin netting or door beads
over them to prevent insects getting inside the house