Can bed bugs make you sick?

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on your blood whilst you are sleeping. They bite from a bed bug can cause some health impacts.

Can bed bugs make you sick?

Bed bugs do not have a direct impact on making people sick. In majority of cases the person who has become sick after a bed bug bit would have already been suffering with some underlying health reason such as allergies, blood loss and infection.  

Although, bed bug bits aren’t the direct cause on people becoming sick it doesn’t mean that it can’t have a negative impact on your health. There are many medical studies that have supported many of the side effects and associated illnesses that you may encounter when dealing with bed bugs. 

Bed bugs are known to affect your health in ways that can become serious. Here is a list of the threats that bed show bed bugs are present:

• A lot of bed bug bites can lead substantial blood loss and possible anaemia.  
• The allergies that are present in bed bug droppings can lead to asthmatic attacks in predisposed people.
• An allergic reaction to the bed bug saliva can cause hives, rashes, itching and burning.
• Bites can also become infected 
• Scarring from the bites can occur and stay for months or even longer.
• There are cases of some people developing serious systematic reactions such as trouble breathing, severe infections, and anaphylaxis. 

The possible affects of a bed bug bite:

• Red welts near the bite
• Itching and burning near the bite
• Bites in a line or a group
• Extensive rashes where bites are many  

Treating a bed bug bite at home

As bed bug bites aren’t usually dangerous on their own, you can in most cases treat them with over-the-counter medicines. Some examples of treatments include calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, pramoxine ointment, or an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine, or fexodenadine can all make a difference. There are some people who think home remedies work even better such as applying lemon juice, baking soda, tea bags, or toothpaste to the bed bug bite.

Treating a bed bug bite from the help of a doctor

There are occasions where you should seek medical attention from a professional when dealing with bed bug bites. If you are experiencing a skin infection or having severe allergic reactions, you should absolutely make an appointment with your doctor. In addition, a doctor might be able to prescribe you with extremely effective treatments such as topical corticosteroids.

Tips to prevent bed bugs at home or the workplace: 

• Reducing clutter, you should clean and make sure surfaces are clutter- free so bed bugs can’t find anywhere to hide.
• You should put your belongings in a separate bag or bin away from other people’s belongings.
• Look out for signs of bed bugs in common areas such as the break room, storage areas, upholstered furniture, and other areas where people spend a lot of time. 
• You should vacuum your area on a daily basis to pick up any stray bugs and then throw the vacuum back outside.