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Snake Bite
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A snake may bite when it is surprised or feels trapped.
Bites from nonpoisonous snakes are more common than those from
the poisonous variety. Fortunately, even poisonous snakes do
not always leave their venom when they bite. Most snake bites
are sustained on the arms and legs; the most harmful ones are
on the head or chest.
Signs/Symptoms
You'll have pain and swelling
around the bite. If you've been poisoned, you may also develop
red skin with blisters, dark areas under the skin, and nausea
and vomiting. In addition, you may suffer fever, headache,
chills, sweating, and blurred vision. Your hands, feet, and the
area around the mouth may tingle or have no feeling. The most
dangerous symptoms include trouble breathing, fainting, and
seizures.
Care
See a doctor at once if you show
any signs of poisoning. You may need an antidote. You also may
need medication for pain.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Stay calm and lie down.
-
Wash the bite area with soap and
water.
-
Do not apply ice or drink
alcohol.
-
Never cover the bite so tightly that the area becomes
numb.
-
Keep the bite area clean and dry. Wash it daily with
soap and water and apply an adhesive or gauze
bandage.
-
You will be given a tetanus shot that may make your
arm swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the
injection. This is a normal response to the medicine in the
shot.
Seek Care Immediately If...
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You develop any symptoms of poisoning (increased
pain, redness and swelling, blood blisters or purple spots
in the bite area, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling,
excessive sweating, breathing difficulty, or blurred
vision).
-
You have any signs of infection such as redness,
swelling, pain, tenderness, pus, or red streaks running
from the wound.
-
You develop a high temperature
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