Author: North Okaloosa Physician Group

Sponsored by North Okaloosa Physician Group Summertime brings cookouts, picnics, trips to the park, and family vacations. However, all this extra time spent outdoors also means more exposure to bugs. From ants, ticks, and spiders to bees and wasps, the potential to get bitten or stung by one of these outdoor pests also increases. This article provides information on common bug bites and stings, how to prevent them, and when to seek medical attention. Preventing Bug Bites and Stings To minimize the risk of bug bites and stings, consider the following preventive measures: Use insect repellent: Apply a repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing. Wear protective clothing: Dress in long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to reduce skin exposure. Be cautious in high-risk areas: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas with high insect activity, such as standing water or flowering plants. Treating Bug Bites and Stings at Home Most of the time, common over-the-counter medications can help relieve bug bite or sting symptoms. Acetaminophen can help with pain, and a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream can help relieve redness, itching, or swelling1. When to Seek Medical Attention In some cases, bug bites can require medical attention, especially if the bite causes an allergic reaction or becomes infected. Seek medical attention if any of the following occur: A large rash around the bite Pain or swelling that lasts longer than three days or extends beyond the original site of the bite or sting Rapidly changing symptoms Severe allergic reactions to bug bites and stings can be life-threatening. If you notice any of the following signs, call 911 immediately: Shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing Chest pain Bee or wasp sting in the mouth that causes severe swelling that could interfere with breathing Dizziness or fainting Facial swelling Nausea or vomiting Dangerous Bug Bites and Stings If you think you’ve been bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, or stung by a scorpion, head to the ER, as these can be life-threatening—especially for children and seniors—and may require immediate medical attention2. In conclusion, being aware of the risks associated with bug bites and stings, taking preventive measures, and knowing when to seek medical attention can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for you and your family. Footnotes MedlinePlus: Insect bites and stings. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/insectbitesandstings.html ↩ Mayo Clinic: Spider bites. (2020, July 18). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-spider-bites/basics/art-20056618; Venomous Spiders: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, November 5). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/spiders/default.html; Scorpion stings: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002858.htm ↩ Additional Tips for a Bug-Free Summer To further reduce the risk of bug bites and stings during the warmer months, consider these additional tips: Keep your surroundings clean: Regularly dispose of trash, clean up food crumbs, and cover sugary beverages to avoid attracting insects. Use screens and nets: Install screens on windows and doors, and consider using mosquito nets when camping or sleeping outdoors. Limit the use of scented products: Avoid wearing strong perfumes or using heavily scented soaps and lotions, as they can attract insects. Be cautious with outdoor lighting: Insects are often drawn to lights at night, so keep outdoor lighting to a minimum or use yellow bug lights to reduce attraction. Educate Yourself and Your Family It's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of insects that are common in your area and their potential risks. Teach your family members, especially children, about the dangers of certain insects and how to avoid them. Encourage them to report any bites or stings to an adult immediately. Know Your Allergy Status If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to bug bites or stings, it's crucial to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and inform those around you about your allergy. In case of an emergency, they can assist you with administering the EpiPen and seeking medical help. Conclusion By taking preventive measures, staying vigilant, and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can protect yourself and your family from the potential dangers of bug bites and stings during summertime. Enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of unpleasant encounters with insects.  

Have you gotten your flu vaccine? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 6 months or older should get a flu shot, especially people at high risk for developing serious complications from influenza: young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease.  Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February but can continue as late as May. The CDC confirmed that the influenza epidemic began earlier this year.  If you think you have the flu, visit your doctor as soon as possible. They may be able to prescribe antiviral drugs to treat flu illness and prevent serious flu complications. High-risk individuals with the flu are particularly in need of prompt treatment. Adults are contagious one day before getting symptoms and up to five days after getting sick. The flu is different from a cold. It typically comes on suddenly, and symptoms include the following: Fever* or feeling feverish/chills (*not everyone with flu will have a fever)CoughSore throatRunny or stuffy noseMuscle or body achesHeadachesFatigue (tiredness)Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)There are three main things you can do to be safe this flu season:Vaccinate—Get the flu shot for yourself and everyone in your family. It’s available at your doctor’s office and many urgent care centers in our area, with many offering same-day appointments.Get treatment—If you do get the flu, your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat flu illness and prevent serious flu complications. It’s important to treat high-risk individuals promptly to avoid hospitalization.Prevention—Stay away from sick people and wash your hands frequently to reduce the spread of germs. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and resist touching your eyes, mouth and nose. Avoid close contact with people who have the flu or symptoms; and if you’re sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to others.

If your first few steps out of bed in the morning cause a stabbing pain in the heel of your foot, it’s very likely you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis involves the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. The pain is typically worse first thing in the morning or after other long periods of physical inactivity. Plantar fasciitis is quite common, with an estimated 10 percent of Americans experiencing the condition at some point in their lifetime. It is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Risk factors that increase your likelihood of a plantar fasciitis diagnosis are: Being female Running, as a sport or hobby Being overweight Having a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces The condition typically starts gradually, with the sensation of mild pain at the heel bone, often referred to as a stone bruise. The patient is more likely to feel the pain after, as opposed to during, physical exercise. Plantar fasciitis is a fairly common and treatable overuse injury. But left untreated, it can become a chronic condition that prevents you from maintaining your activity level. It can also cause knee, hip and back problems, because plantar fasciitis can change the way you walk. Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts as a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot. Repetitive or chronic tension and stress on that bowstring can create small tears in the fascia and a resulting inflammation, though in many cases the cause of plantar fasciitis isn’t clear. Footwear with proper arch and heel support is the best way to try to prevent foot pain and injuries, but if you find yourself with a diagnosis or suspected case of plantar fasciitis, there are some steps you can take at home. First, consider keeping weight off your foot until the initial inflammation subsides, applying ice to the painful area in 20 minute intervals throughout the day. Finally, stretching exercises for your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia are by far the best treatments to address the injury and prevent reoccurrence. A qualified orthopedist or physical therapist can help you with a definitive diagnosis and to develop a program you can follow at home. They can also advise you on how and when to return to your desired level of activity, to ensure you don’t hinder your recovery. Most important, don’t write off foot pain as something you just have to live with. Talk with your primary care physician about any issues that send you to the medicine cabinet regularly for managing pain or that restrict your level of movement and quality of life.