HEALTH TIP

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Reaction to Bites and Stings?

If you’re bitten or stung, you may see or feel the insect on your skin during the attack. Some people don’t notice the insect and may not be aware of a bite or sting until one or more of the following symptoms emerge:

• swelling, which may be concentrated in the affected area or may spread throughout the body
• redness or rash
• pain in the affected area or in the muscles
• itching
• heat on and around the site of the bite or sting
• numbness or tingling in the affected area
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  Symptoms of a severe reaction requiring immediate medical treatment include:
  
• fever
• difficulty breathing
• nausea or vomiting
• muscle spasms
• rapid heartbeat
• swelling of the lips and throat
• confusion
• loss of consciousness

If you feel ill or experience flu-like symptoms in the days following an insect bite, see your doctor for tests to rule out infections or diseases you may have contracted from the insect.

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