a sting is not the same as an allergy: the reaction to a sting is a normal immune response. if a person has symptoms at a distance from the sting (spreading rash or itch, tight chest, wheeze, tight swallowing, swollen lips/face, faintness or nausea), they need to seek medical care immediately. prevention of stings is fairly easy if people understand how wasps live. avoid eating sweet foods in their environment and take care over sweet smells when they are particularly hungry in the autumn.