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Know anaphylaxis signs and keep an EpiPen ready
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What to Do
If anyone in your household has had a systemic allergic reaction to wasp stings (hives beyond the sting site, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness), get an allergy evaluation and carry a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) at all times during wasp season.
Why It Works
Anaphylaxis can progress from mild symptoms to life-threatening shock within minutes. Having epinephrine on hand buys critical time before emergency medical care arrives. Roughly 2% of the population has venom allergy severe enough to warrant carrying an EpiPen.
Tips
- A large local reaction (swelling beyond the sting site) does not necessarily mean you'll have anaphylaxis next time, but discuss it with an allergist
- Venom immunotherapy (allergy shots) is 97% effective at preventing future anaphylaxis
- Replace EpiPens before their expiration date — check every spring
📅 Created: 2/9/2026, 5:06:02 AM 📌 best practice 🔧 None