Although there aren't any more snakes in Texas than usual, with all the recent rains, snakes are moving around more, increasing the chances for people to get bitten.   

 

Some believe the only good snake is a dead snake. However, there are really only four species in Texas that are venomous: the cottonmouth, rattlesnake, copperhead and the coral snake.  

 

The cottonmouth can be up to 5 feet long. It is usually dark black but can be brown or olive with dark, wide bands on its body. It is also called a "water moccasin" because it's primarily seen near bodies of water. Cottonmouth refers to the white tissue inside its mouth. The cottonmouth is more likely than the other three venomous snakes to be aggressive.

 

The rattlesnake is another large snake that can reach up to 7 feet. It is not usually aggressive, unless it's disturbed. Most people can quickly recognize this snake by it's rattle, which it uses to send a warning to it's predators.

 

The copperhead gets it's name from its copper-colored body, which makes it difficult to see when it's slithering around oak leaves and other vegetation.  It is not aggressive. Many copperhead bites occur when a snake is stepped on because it wasn't seen.

 

The coral snake is fairly short - usually around 2 feet or shorter - and slender, with bright red, black and yellow rings on it's body. The coral snake is the most toxic of the four snakes and is extremely dangerous for small children. This snake is less likely to bite an adult because of it's small mouth, unless it can reach a toe or a finger. There are other nonvenomous snakes that can be mistaken for a coral snake so always remember: "Red touching yellow, kill a fellow; red touching black, venom lack."  

  

Avoidance is your best defense against snakes because it's often difficult to tell the difference between some venomous and nonvenomous snakes without getting too close for comfort.  

 

For questions about snakes, or if you or your loved one gets bitten, call the experts at 1-800-222-1222. We can get in touch with the staff at the hospital to let them know you are on your way and what symptoms you are experiencing so they know exactly what to expect when you get there. 
Antihistamine Warning

Summer is here in Texas, which means allergy season is in full swing. 

 

This is the time when children are participating in outdoor adventures, but allergies can sometimes slow them down.

 

While parents are rushing to the stores to buy allergy medications to treat their little ones, it's important to remember that too much antihistamine can be deadly, but overdoses are preventable.

 

Sometimes children accidentally get a double dose, like when one parent medicates their child not knowing the other parent had already done it. Other times, children may take pills on their own when the bottle is left within their reach. Medications should always be locked up high and out of reach of children.

 

Poison Centers also get calls from people who simply ignore the recommended dosing instructions, perhaps thinking that a higher dose means more relief.

 

The signs of antihistamine overdose are not always what you'd expect. Some people, especially young children, become confused, agitated or even hallucinate.

 

In some severe cases, an antihistamine overdose can affect the heart. For questions about antihistamines and other medications, call the experts at 1-800-222-1222.
  
  
  
  
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Summer Safety IQ Test

You are at a neighborhood barbecue. Your youngster gets into some tiki torch fluid and you think he might have swallowed some. Is this dangerous?

 

A. No, it's just a clear liquid.

B. It depends on how old your child is.

C. Yes. It can easily get into the lungs and cause pneumonia. This could be fatal.

 

Answer: C 

Drinking tiki torch fluid is dangerous. The same is true of other petroleum-based liquids (hydrocarbons) like gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, baby oil, lamp oil, furniture polish, charcoal lighter fluid, etc. When you swallow these and other hydrocarbons, they can easily go down the wrong way and get into your lungs. Only a small amount can cause pneumonia within a few hours. The liquid also spreads out over the inner surface of your lungs, preventing oxygen from entering your blood stream. Tiki torch fluid and other hydrocarbons MUST be stored in their original child-resistant containers, locked out of sight and reach of children. When you use these products, do not put them down where children can reach them; immediately lock them away when you're done. If someone has swallowed tiki torch fluid, or other possible poisons, call us at

1-800-222-1222
right away.

 

 
Attention all moms: The FDA has notified health professionals, their provider organizations and caregivers of infants, that prescription oral viscous lidocaine 2% solution should not be used to treat infants and children with teething pain.

Topical pain relievers and medications that are rubbed on the gums are not necessary or even useful because they wash out of the baby's mouth within minutes. When too much viscous lidocaine is given to infants and young children or they accidentally swallow too much, it can result in seizures, severe brain injury, and problems with the heart.

Parents and caregivers are urged to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for treating teething pain.

* Use a teething ring chilled in the refrigerator (not frozen).
* Gently rub or massage the child's gums with your finger to relieve the symptoms.

FDA is also encouraging parents and caregivers not to use topical medications for teething pain that are available over the counter (OTC) because some of them can be harmful.  For more information, call the experts at 1-800-222-1222.