Hornets, Wasps and Bees are the most common insects in the UK to trigger an allergic reaction. Unlike bees, wasps and hornets can sting multiple times. Additionally, reactions to their stings can be accumulative (the more times you are stung, the worse your potential reaction). A wasp or hornet sting can be extremely painful. The common wasp (vespula vulgaris) is found in almost all UK habitats. Wasps are most active towards the end of September when their nests tend to reach capacity and they are driven out in search of food. Wasps and hornets may sting when threatened and to defend their nest. Hornets are a specific type of wasp that are usually rounder, fatter and larger than the common wasp. Hornet stings are more painful than wasp stings, but hornets are generally less aggressive if unprovoked.<\/p>\n
A wasp or hornet sting causes a sudden, sharp pain at first. This pain can occasionally feel like a burning sensation. A typical, non-allergic reaction to a wasp or hornet sting will usually only last for a few hours and not require medical treatment.<\/p>\n
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The symptoms below indicate a non-severe allergy to wasp and hornet stings:<\/p>\n
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Rapid onset of any of the following symptoms following a wasp or hornet sting could indicate a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency treatment. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:<\/p>\n
As your body\u2019s reaction to wasp and hornet stings can be accumulative, be mindful of whether you have been stung multiple times in the past, as this could cause a more severe reaction. In the unusual event that a sting causes symptoms of a severe reaction, you will need immediate emergency care. If your sting site is showing signs of being infected (swelling and redness persisting beyond a week, pus draining from the sting site and or fever and flu-like symptoms), we recommend that you contact Ahmey\u2019s and make an appointment to see a doctor. If the sting site is incredibly swollen, the doctor might prescribe a topical cream or oral medication to reduce swelling. If the sting site is infected, the doctor may also potentially prescribe antibiotics.<\/p>\n
Wasp and hornet stings are painful, but do not usually require medical treatment. If you experience any symptoms of an infection, or experience moderate symptoms that persist beyond a week, contact Ahmey\u2019s to make an appointment. If you experience any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, you will need immediate emergency treatment. Any mild discomfort can be treated by the patient themselves in the ways shown below.<\/p>\n
First aid for wasp and hornet stings:<\/p>\n
Wasp and Hornet Stings Hornets, Wasps and Bees are the most common insects in the UK to trigger an allergic reaction. Unlike bees, wasps and hornets can sting multiple times. Additionally, reactions to their stings can be accumulative (the more times you are stung, the worse your potential reaction). A wasp or hornet sting can […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1994,"parent":1695,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\n