|
|
|
« Back
We are sending our three children to their grandparents for three weeks this summer. They live in the woods where there are snakes known to be around. I'm not sure what to tell the kids to help prepare them for the possibility of poking around and finding something venomous. What do you advise?
|
|
The first thing to do is discuss your concerns with the grandparents. Living locally, they will know what the chances are of even coming across a snake on their property or in their area.
The usual advice given children (and adults for that matter) about snakes is to leave them alone. The temptation to pick them up or at the very least, poke them with a stick, should be avoided.
If the children come upon a snake suddenly or unexpectedly, the snake may strike out of self-defense. But if it is sunbathing on a rock or moving along on its own, instruct the children to slowly walk backwards away from the snake.
You may feel reassured to know that out of 6,000 snake bites reported (admittedly, many are never reported) in the United States, only 12 result in death each year. One out of three people are bitten by venomous snakes like rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and coral snakes.
Symptoms may develop right away up to hours later. They can be mild to severe and include nausea, vomiting, pain, numbness (even paralysis), and bruising and swelling of the area. More serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, blood clot formation, and drop in blood pressure require immediate medical treatment.
Though you may not want to mention these symptoms specifically to the children, it's a good idea to let them know the consequences of approaching or touching snakes can be very serious.
You don't have to worry about snake bites at all times and in every state. Most snakes are hibernating and nowhere to be seen between November to March. The prime months for snake sightings and encounters are between April and October. And if they happen to live in Hawaii, Maine, or Alaska -- these are states where there are no native venomous snakes.
|
References:
|
|
|
« Back
|
|
|
|
*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
 | All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission. |
|
