Why are needles so scary? Alberta child pain researcher has answer and tips to help
Global News
As children across the country roll up their sleeves for their COVID-19 vaccine, little ones are faced with needle fear and anxiety.
As children across the country roll up their sleeves for their COVID-19 vaccine, little ones are faced with needle fear and anxiety.
So, why are needles so scary?
Dr. Samina Ali, a pediatric emergency doctor at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, Alta., said the pain “is real.”
“One, they almost always hurt,” said Ali, who is also a pain researcher.
She said despite all the evidence for excellent treatment options for children’s pain, only about five per cent of children are actually getting them used.
The second reason, said Ali, is the sheer volume of immunizations in a child’s life.
Because children remember needle pain, Ali said it’s imperative parents and health-care providers do what they can to help.
“They do remember it and it can actually change how they process pain on an EEG brainwave level,” said Ali, “as well as psychologically how they experience future painful experiences.”
