**Hurricane Helene Triggers Surge in Insect Stings in North Carolina**

Severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina has led to a rise in insect stings, as displaced yellow jackets, bees, and other insects have attacked individuals dealing with the aftermath of the storm. This situation has prompted an increased demand for allergy medications, pushing the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to purchase Benadryl and epinephrine injections to meet the need through hospitals, emergency responders, and healthcare providers.

State health officials have also authorized pharmacists to dispense emergency refills for those already prescribed allergy medications. In response to the crisis, North Carolina is considering allowing the purchase of epinephrine injections, such as EpiPens, without requiring a prescription. Moreover, efforts are underway to collect and distribute donated medications to aid affected communities.

According to the Mayo Clinic, while most individuals do not experience severe allergic reactions to insect stings, the irritation and pain can be significant. Stings can cause swelling and persistent pain for several days. For a smaller subset of people, an insect sting can trigger a severe allergic reaction leading to anaphylaxis, characterized by difficulty breathing, tongue and throat swelling, weak pulse, and potential loss of consciousness. Immediate administration of epinephrine is crucial in such cases.

Multiple stings can also result in a dangerous buildup of venom, potentially causing serious symptoms such as dizziness, fever, convulsions, or vomiting. Experts advise wearing long, light-colored, smooth-finished clothing, and avoiding strong scents from perfumes, soaps, and deodorants to minimize the risk of getting stung. If confronted by a single insect, staying calm and still is recommended, but in the case of multiple stings, quickly seeking indoor or shaded areas is advised, as bees release chemicals that attract more insects when they sting.

North Carolina officials continue to work on measures to safeguard its residents from this unexpected consequence of Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the importance of precautionary steps to avoid stings and the accessibility of necessary medications.