Insect Bites And Stings And Spider Bites: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Have 2 or more flu-like symptoms developed within minutes or up to 3 weeks of a bite or sting?

See significance of flu-like symptoms if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have 2 or more of the following flu-like symptoms begun within a few minutes to a few hours after a bite or sting?

• Fever
• Shaking chills
• Vomiting
• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Joint aches
• Headache
• Swollen glands
• A vague feeling of illness (malaise)
• Rash

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have 2 or more of the following flu-like symptoms begun within 3 weeks of a bite or sting?

• Fever
• Shaking chills
• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Joint aches
• Headache
• Swollen glands
• A vague feeling of illness (malaise)
• Rash

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 01, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer