Lifetime

As summer comes to a close so begins the peak season for stings by insects like wasps, bees, and hornets. And the allergy clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London has some advice on how to take the sting out of late summer. Cases of insect stings peak in September. That’s because the cooler weather makes the insects slower and more likely to come into contact with humans. A non-allergic reaction to stings is pain and localized swelling which can be treated with over the counter remedies. But the clinic warns to be alert for signs of a severe reaction which can include swelling, hives, itching and respiratory problems. The good news is that there is treatment for those who have had severe anaphylactic reactions to bee venom in the past.