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Avoidance of stinging insects
Children who have experienced a systemic allergic reaction
to insect stings should take the following precautions:
- Be extremely cautious when going to woods or gardens. Insect
repellents are ineffective against stinging insects.
- Avoid areas of garbage and exposed food/beverage at picnics.
Keep food covered when eating outdoors.
- Avoid drinking from open cans outdoors; insects are attracted
by sweet beverages.
- Reduce exposed body areas when outdoors. Avoid flower-print,
bright-colored and loose-fitting clothing. White color is the
safest.
- Carefully unfold and inspect clothing that has been left
outdoors.
- Avoid walking barefoot or wearing sandals.
- Avoid rapid movement when near stinging insects unless being
pursued.
- Do not use sweet-smelling perfumes, deodorants, hair sprays
or other cosmetics.
- Keep car windows closed except to allow an insect to fly
out. Do not drive while a flying insect is in the car.
- Persons not allergic to insect stings should periodically
inspect the outside of the house for insect nests, particularly
during the summer. Nests should be sprayed with an insecticide
then demolished.
-Sami Bahna, M.D., Dr.P.H., FAAP
2004 American Academy of Pediatrics |
