A life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can cause shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure and trouble breathing. In people who have an allergy, anaphylaxis can occur minutes after exposure to a specific allergy-causing substance (allergen). In some cases, there may be a delayed reaction or anaphylaxis may occur without an apparent trigger.

If you're with someone having an allergic reaction with signs of anaphylaxis:

• Immediately call your local medical emergency number.
• Ask the person if he or she is carrying an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others) to treat an allergic attack.
• If the person says he or she needs to use an autoinjector, ask whether you should help inject the medication. This is usually done by pressing the autoinjector against the person's thigh.
• Have the person lie still on his or her back.
• Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give the person anything to drink.
• If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking
• If there are no signs of breathing, coughing or movement, begin CPR. Do uninterrupted chest presses — about 100 every minute — until paramedics arrive.
• Get emergency treatment even if symptoms start to improve. After anaphylaxis, it's possible for symptoms to recur. Monitoring in a hospital for several hours is usually necessary.

If you're with someone having signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, don't wait to see whether symptoms get better. Seek emergency treatment right away. In severe cases, untreated anaphylaxis can lead to death within half an hour.

Most snakes aren't dangerous to humans. Only about 15% worldwide and 20% in the South Asia are venomous. In Srilanka, these include the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin and copperhead. Their bites can cause severe injuries and sometimes death.

If a venomous snake bites you, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, especially if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful. Many emergency rooms stock antivenom drugs, which may help you.

If possible, take these steps while waiting for medical help:

• Move beyond the snake's striking distance.
• Remain still and calm to help slow the spread of venom.
• Remove jewelry and tight clothing before you start to swell/
• Position yourself,if possible,so that the bite is at or below the level of your heart.
• Clean the wound with soap and water.Cover it with a clean,dry dressing.

Don't lose sight of other cross contamination that could occur that isn't related to COVID-19.

• Wear gloves or cover hands when dealing with open wounds
• Cover cuts and grazes on your hands with waterproof dressing
• Dispose of all waste safely
• Do not touch a wound with your bare hand
• Don not touch any part of a dressing that will come in contact with a wound