What’s the tattoo flu?
If you’ve recently gotten some new ink and feel a little bit under the weather, chances are you might have the tattoo flu.
This ‘flu’ is essentially your body’s reaction to getting pricked by a bunch of tiny needles repeatedly, tiring out your immune system. When the needle hits your skin, your pain receptors go into overdrive, giving you a nice jolt of adrenaline. As you continue getting tattooed, this sends red flags to your immune system. I mean, your skin is literally being broken continuously for a prolonged period of time. Lots of pain means lots of adrenaline which ultimately, your body perceives as a threat.
Afterwards, your body’s natural defenses see your tattoo as an open wound, responding by sending in white blood cells, or leukocytes, to help fight off infection. This in turn, wears out the immune system which can make you more prone to getting sick.
The tattoo flu is often characterized by:
Body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea
Fatigue
Fever
These symptoms usually appear within 24 hours. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s highly recommended to see a healthcare professional.
So how can you combat the tattoo flu? Home remedies include but are not limited to: rest, hydration and fuelling your body with nourishing foods. Since your immune system is practically working overtime, it’s vital to ensure you take it easy on yourself during this time.
You can get the tattoo flu whether it’s your first or 30th tattoo. To help prevent it, it’s extremely important to follow your artist's instructions to prepare for your appointment as well as following proper aftercare.