Precautions To Take When You Have A Stinging Insect Allergy

When you find out that you have a stinging insect allergy (like a bee sting allergy), you may wonder if you will ever feel safe spending time outside in the spring or summer again. However, just because you have an allergy to insect stings does not mean that you have to limit yourself to indoor recreation only. There are numerous steps that you can take to keep yourself safe and to deal with your stinging insect allergy so that you can continue to get out and about and enjoy your life no matter what season it is and no matter what stinging insect allergy you are dealing with.

Always Carry An Epinephrine Auto-Injector With You

One of the best ways that you can be sure that you feel safe and secure anytime you leave the house when you have a stinging insect allergy is to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times. Most stinging insect allergies cause reactions that make breathing difficult (a reaction known as anaphylaxis) and an epinephrine auto-injector is the only fast-acting solution to this problem.

If you are out and about and stung by an insect you are allergic to, you or someone with you, will take out the ephinephrine auto-injector and press the needle into your thigh muscle. This pushing motion will automatically inject the epinephrine into your system, preventing your airway from closing up. The epinephrine auto-injector is a life-saving measure that gives you time to get to the hospital for monitoring and further treatment and makes it so you can go out and enjoy the outdoors in spite of your stinging insect allergy.

Avoid Wearing Certain Items When Spending Time Outdoors

If you are allergic to stinging insects, the last thing you want to do is attract them straight to you by what you are wearing. However, many people do not realize that these insects are attuned to some items that people wear frequently.

When you are trying to avoid drawing unwanted attention from stinging insects, it is best to avoid wearing bright colors or anything with a clearly visible floral print. Stinging insects collect pollen and nectar from flowers and bright colors as well as bold floral prints will confuse them, making them think that your clothing is a flower.

These insects also have excellent senses of smell. As such, when you plan to spend time outdoors, you should avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, or body lotions that have strong scents. This can also attract stinging insects as they are drawn to the smell of flowers in bloom that can provide them with needed sustenance.

If you follow these precautions regularly, your stinging insect allergy does not need to dictate the amount of time you spend outdoors or keep you from enjoying your life.


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