Bad Bugs Slideshow Pictures Take the Bed Bugs Quiz!

Medical Author:

Eileen Toloza, MD

Coauthor:

Jennifer Krawczyk, MD

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Next Steps

Prevention

• Wear protective gear (shin guards) while playing contact sports such a soccer.

• Place furniture away from doorways and common walking paths within your home.

• Keep phone and electrical cords away from open areas where you may trip and fall.

• Be sure floors are kept dry and that rugs are slip resistant.

• Keep floors free of clutter.

• Plug in a small night light or use a flashlight if you need to walk to the bathroom during the night.

• If your doctor has prescribed anticoagulant medications (blood-thinners), be sure to have regular monitoring and adjust medications as necessary.