Getting bitten or stung by bugs is never a fun experience, and we certainly are seeing many more bugs and creepy-crawlies out and about lately because of this time of year.

While most bugs are minor nuisances and aren’t dangerous, some of them can cause uncomfortable symptoms or even serious allergic reactions.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team explains more about the bugs we typically come into contact with in the summer and what to do about them.

Are Tick Bites Dangerous Right Now?

One of the drawbacks about living in the South is that there are usually bugs around for the majority of the year. That means you could experience a tick bite at any point! However, they are much more prevalent in the summer months. Even if you do get bitten, chances are that the bite will be a minor annoyance and that will be it.

However, some ticks carry Lyme disease, which is a serious condition that can cause chronic pain and fatigue if not treated right away. This is why removing a tick from your skin right away is crucial! Ticks carrying Lyme disease need to be embedded in your skin for at least 36 hours to transmit the disease, so act fast.

How to Get a Tick Off of Your Skin

• Use a clean tweezers and pull slowly and steadily away from the skin.
• Do not twist as you pull.
• Take a picture of the tick.
• Dispose in the garbage in a piece of tape or flush in the toilet.
• Wash your hands and the bite site thoroughly.

Will a Sting Cause an Allergic Reaction?

It’s hard to know for sure! Everyone is different and has different reactions to environments and stings. If you have been stung by a bee or wasp, remove yourself from the area quickly and examine the site. Stings typically appear red and raised almost immediately and it can lead to a red rash or irritated skin. The area will probably also be really painful or sensitive to the touch.

Fire ants also have the potential to bite and sting you if you get close enough. If you come upon a fire ant nest, these aggressive little guys can latch onto your skin and sting you to try and protect themselves. Fire ant stings will be red, itch and will probably burn or sting for a few hours. The sting site may also blister or swell as your body works on healing. In any case, watch yourself for signs of an allergic reaction after any kind of sting.

Signs of Anaphylaxis

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the throat and tongue
• Itchy skin and swollen eyes, lips, hands or feet
  
• Loss of consciousness or fainting

If you are ever worried about an animal or insect bite, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah.