Some health workers at Health NZ public hospitals and services are planning to strike on Thursday 23 October to 7am on Friday 24 October.
Emergency departments will be open for emergencies only. For more information:
Some health workers at Health NZ public hospitals and services are planning to strike on Thursday 23 October to 7am on Friday 24 October.
Emergency departments will be open for emergencies only. For more information:
Nettles are plants with sharp hairs on their leaves. If you touch them, these hairs inject irritants into the skin, making it itchy, red and swollen.
Stinging nettle is a common weed. It is found in:
In Aotearoa New Zealand there are 3 species:
Small exposure to nettles can cause:
Symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days.
If a large area of your body is exposed, or you have been exposed for a longer period of time, you may experience:
The National Poisons Centre is available 24 hours a day on 0800 764 766 for advice on first aid and treatment of stings.
When you are treating nettle stings do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or aspirin-containing products to anyone 18 years or younger. There is a risk of a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with food or milk to prevent stomach irritation. Do not give NSAIDs to anyone with: