First Aid

Tick bites
Tick bites seldom lead to serious problems, but some ticks may transmit organisms which could lead to illness.

Spider bites and scorpion stings
Only a few species of spiders are dangerous but all scorpions in South Africa are venomous. Here are first aid tips.

Animal and human bites
Dogs are the most likely pets to cause animal bites. However, cat and human bites are far more dangerous.

When should you get a tetanus shot?
Tetanus is a potentially fatal bacterial disease but can fortunately be prevented through vaccination.

Bites and stings
Insect bites and stings usually cause little harm unless there is a severe allergic reaction.

Snakebite: what to do
Snakebite shouldn't be top of your list of worries, but every year lives and limbs are lost this way - usually unneccesarily. These are the latest recommendations on what to do.

Insect bites and stings
Insect bites and stings are common and, although bothersome, seldom have serious consequences.

Jellyfish and bluebottle stings
Stung by a jellyfish or bluebottle? Here's what you should do.

How to identify rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral infection carried in the saliva of warm-blooded animals. Here is how to prevent infection.

Snake bites: what to do
South Africa has several venomous snakes. Here's how to prevent snake bites and what to do if someone gets bitten.

Snakebite
Snake bites are seldom fatal, but they can cause permanent injury.

Dog bites
Dog bites may cause injury and septic wounds, and carry the risk of transmitting tetanus and rabies.