As my husband was doing some yard work last week, he came across a couple of yellow jacket nests in our yard. Thankfully, he only got stung once and was subsequently able to safely destroy the nests, but the experience reminded me that summer is a good time to cover some insect allergy information.

Don't think that if you are stung once and you're okay, that you're not allergic to insect stings. As the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains, ‘If you are insect-allergic, after the first sting, your body produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). If stung again by the same kind of insect, the venom interacts with this specific IgE antibody, triggering the release of substances that cause an allergic reaction.’

Here are some tips from AAAAI about Stinging Insect Allergy:

• Prevent stings by having nests destroyed. If you notice that stinging insects are nearby, remain calm, move away slowly, and avoid wearing brightly colored clothing or scented lotions and perfumes. Also, avoid open-toed shoes and loose-fitting clothing in which insects can become trapped. When cooking outdoors, keep food covered until it will be eaten and clean up spills, so they don't attract the insects later.
• Treat stings by removing the stinger within 30 seconds. Scrape your fingernail across the stung area to remove the stinger and sac. Don't squeeze the area. This will force more venom into your body. To treat local reactions to the sting, raise the affected limb, and apply a cold compress; gently clean the area with soap and water; don't break any blisters that form; apply topical steroid ointments, or take oral anti-histamines to relieve itching; if swelling persists, contact your doctor.
• Always carry an EpiPen if you are allergic. Remember to check expiration dates. Also, remember that epinephrine is a rescue medication only and if you are allergic, you will still need someone to take you to the emergency room.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction include two or more of the following: itching and hives, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms, have someone take you to the emergency room immediately.

For more information, see Stinging Insect Allergy