Darrick Robles Many can hardly wait to be vaccinated against Covid-19. But for anyone who suffers from a needle phobia, the mere thought of getting vaccinated can make them uncomfortable. Here you can find out where the fear of needles comes from and what you can do about it.
How common are needle phobias?
If you are afraid of the needle, you are not alone. About 20% to 30% of children, adolescents and young adults suffer from a blood, needle or injury phobia . People who had a negative experience with injections in childhood are often affected . In older adults, the frequency of the phobia decreases significantly.
What is needle phobia and how is it different from fear of needles?
Fear of needles and needle phobia are two different conditions. Fear of needles means you are afraid of getting stitches, injections, or having blood drawn. How big the fear is and how much it affects you can be very individual. It’s natural to feel afraid at times and react to what we perceive as a threat.
A phobia , on the other hand, is an abnormal fear of something that doesn’t necessarily pose a threat. For example, a phobia of injections (trypanophobia) can lead to those affected avoiding vaccination appointments and other medical interventions altogether. The fear of fainting during a blood draw and overwhelming the medical staff can also be associated with shame.
People who cannot see blood are called blood phobia .
Syringe phobias can be learned or innate
What causes needle phobia differs from person to person – and there can be a variety of causes. Some just don’t like the feeling of being stabbed in the body. Others have a problem with not having control over the procedure and their reaction to the injection.
In contrast to many other phobias, a needle phobia can also be innate. You may have inherited a reflex that makes you prone to fainting.
If you had many unpleasant experiences with stings as a child, you may develop a needle phobia. If you have been ill for a long time and have therefore received many injections, this can also lead to an injection phobia.
Syringe phobia symptoms
Anyone who suffers from a needle phobia may avoid visiting the doctor in connection with a blood test or vaccination.
A needle phobia can also manifest itself through physical symptoms :
- Blood pressure and pulse rise, only to drop sharply as the body attempts to compensate. This can cause dizziness and fainting .
- Panic attacks may occur, followed by palpitations , shortness of breath, sweating, nausea , and dizziness.
Note: These reactions are not dangerous. However, they are often experienced as very unpleasant by those affected.
Tips for the Corona vaccination date
Here’s what you can do to better manage your anxiety during your vaccination appointment :
- Be open about your fear. Be sure to talk to the vaccinator about your anxiety.
- Talk to the staff about being sensitive to pain.
- Use pain-relieving ointment on the site of the puncture.
- Ask to lie down if you are prone to dizziness and fainting. Remember: The staff usually has a lot of experience with this and knows what to do.
- Distract yourself when you get the shot. For example by listening to music, looking the other way and trying to think of something else.
Treatment of needle phobia
There is no point in simply avoiding injections or needles forever. The first step to getting rid of a needle phobia is recognizing your fear and paying attention to it.
Behavioral therapy can help you gradually reduce your fear of needles . Treatment is based on gradually getting used to needles and practicing not associating needles with danger.
If you are suffering from a drop in blood pressure or sudden loss of consciousness (syncope), you can use a treatment called applied tension . With this method, you tense your muscles, which causes your blood pressure to rise. This prevents blood pressure from dropping, which also reduces the risk of fainting.
Your doctor is a good first point of contact if you want to start therapy. She or he will be happy to explain to you which treatment options can help you and where you can find a therapy place if necessary.
