by Eden A.
CW: Needles
When we search the web for information about tattoos, a common question comes up. “Is it normal to feel sick after getting a tattoo?” Before we get into any details about what the tattoo flu is, feeling sick and other signs and symptoms, let’s talk about how sometimes getting tattoos may make you feel sick. It is normal to feel a bit ill after getting your tattoo done, and these tattoos can make you feel sick as they are known as a medical procedure. Needles poke into your skin at a rapid speed making an element in your bloodstream by depositing the ink into the epidermis, known as skin. At this point, your skin may be a bit sensitive and your body’s immune system reacts to the needle in a protective way. Advice Tattoo describes the flu as, “the temporary sickness and fatigue that some people experience after getting a tattoo. It’s caused by trauma from the body from the tattooing process, which triggers the immune system response.” Symptoms may be, “feeling weak or unable to move, soreness not just in the tattoo area, and feeling generally unwell.”
The Greatist website mentions some common signs that may be as a result of the tattoo flu such as, chills, body aches, dizziness, fatigue, stomach aches, swelling on the areas, and throwing up. These signs seem to be mild but can even show up during the session. Ways to care for your brand-new tattoo are keeping it covered, be gentle, pat it down nicely and make sure you don’t scrub it, allowing it to breathe when necessary, take the cover off a few hours later, never pick and avoid the sun.
Make sure you are staying hydrated by drinking lots of water, keeping your skin moisturized, avoiding lots of alcohol and caffeine, and don’t do so much cardio before your session. Also, make sure you are eating often and getting the right nutrition, follow any advice from the artist given to you, and be careful if you have a weak immune system. If you have any questions or concerns, it’s important to speak to your tattoo artist, or seek medical attention if anything serious or infections show up. As the flu typically lasts for a couple of days but will lessen each day. It’s important to take care of yourself if this is your first tattoo or last tattoo.
Personally, the tattoo flu was pretty bad for me and I felt symptoms for a week or two after getting my first ever tattoo. l It’s important to wait if you don’t feel ready and to wait as long as you need to feel comfortable with getting a tattoo done so the flu doesn’t catch up to you.
