The most frequent reaction to a sting is redness, swelling at the sting site and pain. Some people will have a large local reaction where the swelling can increase for 1 or 2 days and take 3 to 10 days to completely go away. The most dangerous reactions are called systemic reactions. Systemic reactions can cause a variety of symptoms such as generalized hives or swelling, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, swollen tongue, hoarseness, dizziness, drop in heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness, seizures and sometimes even death.
What should I do if I am stung?
For the usual or large local reactions use an antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), ice and if needed acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. If you are stung and start to have symptoms of a systemic reaction call 911. If you have had a systemic reaction, you need to know how and when to use injectable epinephrine and carry it with you.
How can I prevent being stung?
- Wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, shoes and socks and gloves when doing yard work. There is no need to avoid certain colors because bees do not recognize colors.
- Keep an insecticide handy to kill bees from a distance (insect repellants do not keep bees away).
- Be cautious when around food and near garbage containers.
When should I see an allergist?
Anyone who has had a systemic reaction should see an allergist. If a serious reaction has happened, the allergist will likely recommend skin testing for the bees. If the tests are positive, the doctor will probably recommend allergy shots. Once a person is on the top dose, there is less than a 5% chance that he or she will have another serious reaction (versus about a 60% risk if shots are not given). Sometimes, allergy shots may be recommended for a person who has had large local reactions if the person is likely to be stung in the future (such as a landscaper, or builder). Anyone who has had a serious reaction to a bee also needs to carry epinephrine (such as EpiPen, or AuviQ) anytime they are outside during bee season (in New England: from early March until late November).
