Needles are used in some of the most common and vital procedures, yet around 25% of US adults fear them. It is estimated that approximately 16% of those people may skip a procedure due to this fear.

A fear of injections can affect an individual’s health and prevent them from getting important vaccinations. Counseling and other therapies may help a person manage or overcome trypanophobia.

A fear of needles, or trypanophobia, can be debilitating. This fear keeps countless people from getting blood tests, having dental work, and receiving potentially lifesaving vaccines. “When I was 5 ...

Covering COVID-19 is a daily Poynter briefing of story ideas about the coronavirus and other timely topics for journalists, written by senior faculty Al Tompkins. Sign up here to have it delivered to ...