Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
Summer is a great time for outdoor activities, but it’s also a time when some threats are most active and dangerous. This week on Health Watch, we’ll talk about the snakes, bugs and pollen that can give you problems this summer.
About 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States every year, and most of those bites happen between April and October. The best way to avoid snake bites is to avoid snakes. Snakes strike when they’re surprised or threatened, but they’ll usually try to avoid you entirely. When you’re walking through tall grass or weeds, poke ahead of you with a long stick to scare off snakes. Always look where you’re stepping or sitting. When hiking, wear boots and long pants to protect your legs from bites. Dr. Kurt Kleinschmidt, an emergency medicine expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says you should get medical attention immediately if you’re bitten by a snake.
Next: What to do before you get to the emergency room.
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July 2007
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