What Kinds of Insects Cause Allergic Reactions? There are many different kinds of insects or “insect-like bugs” that can cause an allergic reaction: Stinging Insects Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow-jackets and fire ants are the most common stinging insects that cause an allergic reaction. When these insects sting you, they inject a toxic substance called venom. […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. Allergies to pets with fur are common, especially among people who have other allergies or asthma. In the United States, as many as three in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies. People […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. It’s the season for ticks! Learn how to identify, prevent and treat tick bites. Preventing Tick Bites Use DEET 20-30% when going outside. For children make sure you only apply this ONCE a day (in contrast to sunscreen, which should be applied often). Do not apply DEET […]
Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as “hay fever.” Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as “seasonal allergic rhinitis.” Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions […]
Old Man Winter’s visit to the Triangle made for a busy few days at WakeMed’s seven emergency departments. A winter wonderland is beautiful, but it’s often icy and dicey when we start to venture out. WakeMed Emergency Departments treated approximately 70 patients with winter weather-related injuries. Here is a breakdown of winter weather injuries from January 17-18: […]
Since October 1, 2017, WakeMed has had 360 positive flu tests, with 208 of those occurring within the last 10 days. (updated 1/11/18) Currently, WakeMed is seeing more adults than kids being admitted with flu. That said, it is important to remember that the flu is contagious a full day before symptoms occur. Often, rapid […]
You are on that shaky old ladder you have been meaning to replace and stretch beyond where you should to get that string of lights placed just right. Maybe you have had a holiday beverage or two and decide it’s a great idea to ride your son’s new hover board. We know we aren’t supposed to […]
WakeMed welcomes Dr. Andrew Jakubowicz as the new medical director of WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department. Below, we chatted with Dr. J about this new leadership role and the things he hopes to accomplish. How has being an emergency department physician prepared you for this new leadership role? As an emergency room physician I lead a […]
If you haven’t already gotten your vaccination for the flu, now’s the time to do so! The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. However, you can still get vaccinated throughout the flu season – even into January. Why get vaccinated for the flu? Prevention is better […]
Sometimes, it’s obvious when to head to the emergency room, but other times, it can be more difficult to tell. The following are some tips to help you decide whether you need to head to the emergency room, the nearest urgent care location or your primary care doctor. Conditions Typically Treated by a Primary Care […]
