Bee stings are not something to mess with. That bee stings hurt like heck is common knowledge, but being stung by a bee can be a frightening as well as life-threatening event. Not only does the pain and burning of a bee sting affect young and old alike, the sting of a bee can be deadly.

Most people are stung by bees in an attempt to shoo the bee away or flick the bee off of them. Since a bee will not sting unless it feels threatened, one should avoid any type of movement that a bee would perceive as threatening. While it may be difficult to sit quietly until the bee makes up his mind to leave, that is usually the best way to avoid stings.

The second most common sting occurs when beverage cans are left unattended. The draw of the sweet and sugary taste lures the bees inside the soda can where it is hard to see the bee inside. Then when a person takes a drink, the bee is drenched in the beverage. This causes the bee to become scared and it automatically stings the first thing it comes in contact with; usually the lips or tongue.

If you get stung the first thing you should do is check to make sure the bee did not leave a stinger behind. Using a hard piece of cardboard or plastic like your credit card or drivers license, holding it at a right angle to the skin gently rub it across the sting. If you hear or feel the stinger take a pair of tweezers and pull the stinger out of the skin.

Ice applied to the sting will reduce the swelling, heat and pain that sometimes accompany bee stings. Keep an eye on the sting. Should the area continue to swell, become very inflamed and uncomfortable contact your health care provider.

Occasionally a severe reaction, anaphylactic shock, occurs when a person is stung by a bee, as the victim begins to have difficulty breathing. This usually occurs within a matter of minutes, if no seconds. Anaphylactic shock is a very dangerous condition as it restricts air passages. If this happens, you should dial 911 immediately.

Once a person has experienced anaphylactic shock due to a bee sting, they usually carry a special antidote commonly known as an "Epi Pen". These units deliver a dosage of antidote that is the exact the exact dose for them. The pens are designed to be easy to use and are self administering.

If a stranger has been stung, ask them if they are allergic to bee stings and if they have an Epi Pen. Anaphylactic shock can happen rapidly. Helping locate their Epi Pen may save their life.

The best way to avoid getting stung is to be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Always wear shoes when outside to avoid stepping on a bee and being stung. Avoid flower gardens during early morning and late afternoon as nectar rises during these times and bees naturally congregate around the flowers to collect the sweet.

If you do get stung honey is known to provide relief from the pain and swelling of bee stings. If there is no allergic reaction, you can apply honey to the sting site. Honey and an application of ice will often provide quick relief. However, bee stings are not something to mess with. If you or a family member is allergic make sure that all family members know where the antidote or Epi Pen is kept and keep one in all vehicles, at school and in your medical kit.