Life with Chronic Conditions in the Time of Covid: Fear of Needles

If even the thought of a needle causes you to go into a cold sweat, chances are you have trypanophobia (the fear of needles). While very common in most children, a number of adolescents have it, and for some it extends well into adulthood. Studies indicate somewhere between 10-25% of adults are thought to have needle phobia, with about 7% avoiding immunizations because of it.

 

There are lots of theories about why people have this fear, but at the moment, with the Covid vaccine making the difference between masking and distancing for an indefinite period of time, let’s focus on how to deal with the fear.

 

I’m not a big fan of shots or having my blood drawn so I get this fear. I tend to have reactions from vaccines, such as a sore arm and aches, which I don’t like so I have to periodically give myself a pep talk to get the flu vaccine etc.

 

In the case of Covid, the thought of becoming very ill and/or giving it to someone else who becomes ill or worse is a strong motivator. A needle is painful for a second, the side effects can be bothersome for a day, but understanding the full consequences of not having the vaccine, can help you be more realistic about your fear.

 

Things to consider

• It helps to understand what it is you fear about needles. People have many different reasons, and the clearer you can be the more appropriate way you can deal with it.

 

• Talk to your medical provider about your fears. They can support you through the experience and may be a lot more willing to let someone be with you when you have an injection. They can also prescribe anti-anxiety meds if need be.

 

• If you pass out or have another strong reaction after getting an injection, let them know ahead of time. They can give you an injection while lying down. However, an applied tension technique has been shown to be effective. To learn how to do this go to Overcoming your needle phobia. Note, the Covid vaccine requires at least a 15 minute observation time following the injection and longer if you’ve had serious reactions in the past. If you do have any type of reaction there will be staff there to help you and keep you safe.

 

• Use anti-anxiety techniques such as deep breathing, listening to music or watching a video. Overcomingyour needle phobia offers a good breathing technique to try.

 

• Distract yourself: Count the ceiling tiles or specs on the floor tiles; how many blue objects do you see; answer a series of math questions a friend asks etc. The more you focus on something other than the shot, the better off you’ll be. Keep in mind the distracting task should be “doable” in 10-15 seconds.

 

• If the physical pain is the root cause of the fear, there are numbing creams or gels that may be applied over the injection site prior to the medical visit.

 

• Stay hydrated. Keep your blood pressure raised so you avoid fainting.

 

• There are needle phobia support groups online. There is at least one on Facebook and Daily Strength offers one.