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Bee and Wasp Stings (cont.)

Outlook

In most cases involving only one or a few stings, the prognosis is excellent if only local symptoms occur. Pain and itching may last a day or so.

Cases involving many stings may occasionally cause delayed and long-term complications. Although these complications may occur despite appropriate medical care, early medical care may lessen the severity.

Serious skin infections are uncommon after a sting.

People suffering a mild allergic reaction are likely to do well if emergency medical care is sought quickly.

People who suffer a severe allergic reaction to a sting require immediate emergency medical care to lessen the chance of serious illness or even death. Any delay in emergency medical care greatly increases the risk to a person having a severe allergic reaction. In some allergic people, severe disability or even death may still occur despite appropriate medical care.