Ask your doctor or the person injecting you about the size of the needle if you like or what type of pain you might feel. In some cases, they may even show you how small it is. Recognize that fear of needles or injections is very common. [4] X Research source
Speak with your health professional before the injection about any fears or concerns you have. Ask her to explain how she will do the injection before she starts. Ask your doctor to talk to you while she injects you as a distraction technique. Keep the conversation light and not related to your health. For example, you could tell her about your upcoming vacation and ask her if she has any suggestions for it. [6] X Trustworthy Source University of Wisconsin Health Integrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives Go to source
Look at a picture or other object in the room. Watch your feet. This can help you take the focus off of your injection site. [8] X Research source Closing your eyes may help you relax and avoid anticipation of the injection. Imagine something else like a warm beach while your eyes are closed.
Tell your health professional you’d like to distract yourself with media you have brought. [9] X Research source Listen to soothing and slow music. [10] X Research source Watch a show or movie you enjoy. [11] X Research source Watch a funny video before and during your injection to relax you. This may help you associate shots with humor instead of pain. [12] X Research source
Squeeze a stress ball or other type of sensory object with the hand opposite your injection arm. [13] X Research source Breathe slowly and deeply. Inhale deeply for four seconds and then exhale for the same amount of time. This type of rhythmic breathing, sometimes called pranayama, can relax you and may also distract you. Double up on your relaxation techniques if necessary. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Tense and release muscle groups starting with your toes and ending at your forehead. Tense muscle groups for about 10 seconds and then give them 10 seconds to release. Take a deep breath in between groups to further relax you. Take an anti-anxiety medication to relax you. The injection is very quick, and likely the anxiety medication will far exceed the medication, so only use this if your fear or nervousness is extreme. Make sure to let the doctor know that you took the medication in case there are any contraindications with the injection and make sure you have someone to drive you home afterwards.
Write a “script” for the injection. For example, write down what you will say to your doctor and the type of conversation you’d like to have. “Hello Dr. Maier, it’s nice to see you today. I know I’m here for an injection and I’m a bit scared. But I’d like to talk about my upcoming vacation to Munich while you give me the injection. ” Stick to the script as much as you can during the procedure. Take your notes with you if that helps.
Reframe the injection as “this is a quick poke and feels like a baby bee sting. ”[15] X Trustworthy Source University of Wisconsin Health Integrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives Go to source Guide yourself with different imagery during the injection. For example, picture yourself on the top of a mountain or on a warm beach. Work with manageable units to manage the injection. For example, break it up into greeting the doctor, asking questions, distracting yourself during the procedure, and then happily heading home.
Ask your health professional if your support person can come with you into the procedure room. Sit across from your support person. Hold her hand if that helps you relax. Talk to your support person about something completely unrelated like dinner or a movie you want to see.
Itching Redness radiating from the injection site Warmth Swelling Tenderness Pain
Leave the ice on the site for 15 – 20 minutes. Do this three to four times per day until the pain eases. Use a bag of frozen vegetables if you don’t have an ice pack. Put something like a towel between your skin and the ice or cold pack to minimize the risk of frostbite. [20] X Research source Put a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the injection site if you don’t want to use ice. [21] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source Avoid applying heat to your injection site. This can increase swelling as it brings more blood to infected area. [22] X Research source
Take pain relievers including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). [24] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers under 18, as it increases the risk for Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Minimize swelling with NSAIDs (non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. [26] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Keep heavy lifting to a minimum if you got a shot in the arm. Stay off of your feet if you got an injection on your leg. [29] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have received a steroid shot, avoid heat for 24 hours to ensure the injection will have maximum response.
Worsening pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or itching Fever Chills Muscle aches Difficulty breathing High-pitched or uncontrolled crying in children
