Island Drug Podcast

Bees, hornets and wasps sting approximately 1 million people every year. Generally an insect sting is just a nuisance and does not result in any significant health issue. However stings can cause significant discomfort and in some cases cause serious allergic reactions. The symptoms caused by a bee sting result from its venom being injected into your skin. In general most symptoms are relatively mild, however insect venom can cause a life threatening allergic reaction referred to as anaphylaxis. It is important to understand the difference between a normal reaction to a bee sting and a reaction that requires direct medical attention.