I’m afraid of needles. I can’t get a shot!

It's a myth!

You shouldn’t be embarrassed by your fear of injections. In Canada, it’s estimated that 5% to 17% of the population is afraid of needles. There’s nothing wrong with having an instinctive reflex to protect oneself against a foreign object breaking the skin. However, injections are particularly useful for analyzing your health.

Here are some tips to relax during the few seconds of an injection:

• Afraid of pain? Apply EMLA cream, a local anesthetic that will provide pain relief at the point of injection.

• Afraid of blood? You really don’t have to look. It certainly won’t affect the quality of your results!

In addition, consider these tips to reduce your anxiety:

• Bring music and listen to your favourite song!

• Think about the moment when you’ll be leaving the clinic and the relief you’ll feel when it’s over.

• Promise yourself a small reward, such as a fancy coffee!

Whatever your situation, put it all in perspective! Your injection will take no more than a minute and you’ll be particularly proud of seeing it through!