As summer comes to a close, a nurse has highlighted nine symptoms you should never ignore following a wasp or bee sting, as they may signal an allergic reaction which can be life-threatening in some cases.
This summer, the UK experienced its “hottest on record” temperatures, according to the Met Office, a trend linked to human-induced climate change. Despite a wetter start to September in many areas, the risk of insect stings remains prevalent.
In the UK, around half the population will suffer at least one sting during their lifetime, making it a common occurrence. While many reactions are mild, some individuals develop allergies to the venom of wasps or bees.
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Charity Allergy UK warns that while wasp and bee stings can occasionally cause serious, life-threatening allergic reactions, it is vital to recognise symptoms and understand how to respond. The organisation states that approximately 10 deaths occur annually in the UK due to wasp or bee sting allergies, with wasp stings twice as likely to cause fatal anaphylaxis since wasps can sting multiple times.
Kelly Fisher, a health and wellbeing nurse at Benenden Health, explains what to look out for after a sting. A typical reaction includes a sharp, burning pain at the sting site, followed by a raised, red, itchy lump, and sometimes minor swelling. On darker skin tones, the redness may be less visible, but swelling or a raised area can still be felt.
Fisher identifies nine symptoms that might indicate an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which occurs when the body overreacts to the venom. These symptoms include dizziness, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps, weakness, persistent coughing, hives, a sense of impending doom, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
While minor sting reactions usually appear within minutes, severe anaphylactic reactions can also develop rapidly, so it is crucial to monitor any changes carefully.
Fisher advises that if you have never been stung before and are unsure if you have an allergy, it is best to treat the sting and remain in a safe place to observe symptoms. Although most stings improve without intervention, you should contact NHS 111 if symptoms worsen beyond a typical local reaction, if you were stung in your mouth, throat, or near your eyes, if you experience vomiting, have multiple stings, or have a history of serious allergic reactions to insect bites or stings.
The NHS offers home treatment advice for wasp stings, recommending washing the area with soap and water or antiseptic to reduce infection risk. Applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth or a cold, damp cloth to the sting for at least 20 minutes can help reduce swelling. It also suggests keeping the affected part of the body elevated if possible.