From bee stings to food, allergic reactions are serious business.

In fact, roughly 8 percent of children and 9 million adults have food allergies, according to Food Allergy Research & Education. The most serious reactions cause anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially deadly allergic reaction.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, rash and difficulty swallowing.

Epinephrine treatment

The first step with a severe allergic reaction is to immediately administer epinephrine (adrenaline). The most common way it’s given in an emergent situation is through an EpiPen.

That’s why it’s important for everyone, not just those of us with allergies, to know how to use an EpiPen correctly, said Kathy Nimz, a registered nurse in Marshfield Clinic’s Allergy Department.

This video provides simple direction, including to immediately call 911.

How to use an EpiPen:

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