Health

Allergy Awareness - Insect Allergy

The most common causes of severe insect allergy in Australia are: bee sting (Honey Bee and Native Australian Bees), wasp sting (Paper Wasp and European Wasp) and ant sting (Jack Jumper and Green Ant). Other insects such as bull ants, ticks and caterpillars can also cause severe allergic reaction but are less common. This reaction is called Anaphylaxis, and requires urgent treatment.

The College has several students who have severe allergic reactions to insect stings. Like food allergy, there are several actions or strategies that can help reduce the risk of an insect sting but we can never make an environment risk free.

Children who have a severe insect allergy and are at risk of anaphylaxis need to have their

Epipen (adrenaline autoinjector) and Anaphylaxis Action Plan for Insect Sting easily accessible at all times.

Strategies that may reduce the risk of insect stings can include:

Using insect repellents that contain DEET (Diethyltoluamide, N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide)
Wearing light coloured clothing that covers most exposed skin
Avoid wearing clothing with ‘flower’ type prints
Wearing shoes at all times
Avoiding perfumes or body creams/deodorants which have a scent
Wearing gloves when gardening
Avoid picking up rubbish which may attract insect/s
Being extra careful where there are bodies of water i.e. lake/pond/swimming pool. Chlorinated pools attract bees
Drive with windows up in the car or windows closed in a bus
Keep your drink (glass/bottle/can) indoors or covered. Always check your drinks before you sip
Keep garbage bins covered – lids on
Keep grass areas mowed (reduce weed such as clover which attracts insects)
Wear boots and thick clothing such as denim jeans if ant sting allergic and in an area known to have specific ant. Avoid ant mounds
Not provoking bees, wasps or ants
Have mounds/nests removed by professionals
Students at school must report bee/wasp nests to a teacher immediately

Severe allergic reactions to stinging insects are usually lifelong. Some people who have severe insect sting allergy may be able to access effective treatment called immunotherapy or desensitisation. Those who are allergic to bee or wasp stings can discuss a 3 – 5 year program, which can help ‘switch off’ the allergic reaction, with a recognised specialist in the field of clinical immunology and allergy.

For more information on allergies go to: www.allergyfacts.org.au

Jenny Hill

College Nurse