How to Get Through Your COVID Shot If You Really Hate Needles
If you are one of the millions of adults who avoid injections at all costs, you may be downright afraid of your first COVID vaccine . Unfortunately, the best course of action is to end it. It won’t be fun or even painless, but with a little preparation, you can make the experience a lot less lame.
First, I want to say that it’s okay to be nervous or afraid before doing anything, not to mention the semi-social environment during a global pandemic. The needle phobia is no joke: common symptoms include vomiting, panic attacks, and full-blown vasovagal reactions, and once they start, you are virtually powerless to stop them. While there is nothing shameful about any of these physiological responses, I know from experience that the possibility of humiliation is far worse than any physical discomfort. If you are in the same boat and are already completely nervous , take a deep breath. You can do it – you just need to prepare and relax.
Plan for the worst
I hate to start with a massive depressive disorder, but I have found that the best way to prevent needle-related episodes is to assume they will happen and plan accordingly. In practice, this basically means ensuring a safe return home even in the event of a disability. If you can, bring a trusted friend or family member to see you; if you can’t, make sure someone pick you up. Do not forget to bring a snack with you. Choose whatever food you like, as well as a can of your favorite soda full of sugar – glucose will enter your bloodstream as soon as possible if you pass out, and calm your stomach if you have to boil. I know it sounds corny, but trust me: soda is a lifesaver.
Distracted
Research shows that watching cartoons or playing video games can help children undergo painful and scary medical procedures, such as vaccinations and venipuncture (blood sampling). My extensive anecdotal experience shows that it works great for adults too. Honestly, the only reason I no longer pass out during blood draws is because I can pass out and watch baby animals on my phone. While you wait for a snapshot, queue up soothing video content on your phone – kittens, puppies, Vine compilations, makeup tutorials, ASMR, or anything else that makes you feel warm and fuzzy.
Communicate
Let the vaccine professional know that you are mishandling the needles as soon as your butt touches the chair (or you roll down the car window). Be concise, specific, and down-to-earth; My main line goes something like this: “Hey, I’m really bad with needles, so I’m going to look at the puppies on Instagram to distract myself. Please don’t tell me when it comes in, just let me know when it ends. I haven’t fainted from one of them for a very long time, but if I do, I will have a can of cola in my purse. ” They don’t need to know why you hate needles, just what to expect and how to make it easier for you.
This brings me to my last and most important point: don’t look at the needle! As far as you know, it doesn’t exist; in fact, it never existed. You haven’t even heard of a needle. Open your phone, focus on a pleasant soothing video, and mindlessly scroll through it until it ends.