The prospect of being stung by a bee or wasp can be very frightening for people who have had a known severe allergic reaction. Fortunately by taking sensible precautions and carrying self-injectable adrenaline, the risk of being stung and a severe reaction occurring is greatly minimised.

Bees
Honeybees are not aggressive like wasps, they only sting when they feel threatened or their nest is in danger. Bumblebees are also non-aggressive and very rarely sting; most stings occur if trodden on with bare feet.
When a bee stings it cannot withdraw its sting as it is barbed, therefore in its struggle to escape the stinger is torn from its body and the bee dies. The stinger is left in the victim with the venom sac attached. It takes a few minutes for all the venom to be injected so quick removal of the stinger is important. This should be done with a quick scrape of the finger nail. Do not try to pick out the stinger with thumb and fore finger as more venom will be squeezed out of the sac.

Wasps
Wasps are aggressive by nature especially during late summer and autumn when their food, nectar containing plants, begins to run out. Wasps will then turn to eating any decomposing food.
From autumn until the end of the year sleepy wasps can still be found. It is much easier to accidentally touch or step on one, as they are no longer moving or buzzing.
Because wasps have a smooth non-barbed sting that can be withdrawn, a wasp can sting many times.

Anaphylactic symptoms
A bee or wasp sting may cause gross swelling at the site of the sting which, for the majority of people, is not dangerous. However, some people – under half a percent of the population, experience a severe generalised reaction known as anaphylaxis. The symptoms include: 

• An itchy feeling 
• Difficulty in swallowing 
• Abdominal cramps and nausea 
• Difficulty in breathing, due to throat swelling or severe asthma 
• A sudden feeling of weakness due to drop in blood pressure 
• Rash on the body 
• Flushing of the skin 
• Increased heart rate 
• A sense of doom 
• Collapse and unconsciousness 

Not all these symptoms would necessarily be present.

Severe allergic reactions will always occur within 30 minutes of a sting and usually within 10 minutes. Allergic reactions that take longer than 30 minutes to develop are milder. Stings to hands, neck, head and feet often produce stronger reactions than those over more fatty parts of the body, as the blood supply is richer.

Bee and Wasp sting avoidance
Certain measures can be taken to help reduce the risk of being stung.

• Avoid wearing shiny, bright colours, flowery prints, black or loose clothing as this seems to attract insects more than white, green, tan or khaki clothes
• Wear shoes at all times when out doors. Never go bare foot in the grass as bees may be foraging on small flowers in the grass and some bees live at ground level in colonies
• Avoid using strong perfumes during the summer. Many products such a sun tan lotions, hairsprays and other cosmetics contain strong perfumes. Test before you buy
• If possible keep arms and legs covered
• Use an inspect repellent containing diethyl-m-toluamide whenever you will be outside for some time
• If a bee or wasp comes near you do not try to swot the insect but move away slowly and calmly. If the insect lands on you try not to panic. Keep calm and be patient. The insect will usually fly away after a few seconds. Make sure you leave no crumbs or food on your face that will interest the insect
• Take special care when gardening
• Sweat attracts stinging insects, especially when sunbathing with sun protection lotions
• Avoid eating and drinking outside e.g. picnics
• When outside, avoid rubbish bins and keep food covered. Always look at what you are eating before you take a bite or a sip of drink as wasps can slip into food and even into open drink cans. Boxed drinks with a straw may be safer but keep an eye on the straw.

When do I use Adrenaline?
Adrenaline (Epipen) is a life saving medication in an event of an anaphylactic reaction. If you develop one or more of the following symptoms you must administer your Epipen as directed immediately – feeling faint, impending doom, rapid feeling of constriction in the throat, rapid swelling of the tongue or throat or breathing difficulty.
Following this you must seek medical advice (Casualty Department or Ambulance).
Adrenaline itself can rise to palpitations, tremors and alter the rhythm of the heart. Moreover, if you have used Adrenaline you will require further medical treatment.