Needlestick injury

A needlestick injury is when a sharp tool, like a needle used to give medicine or take blood, accidentally pokes through someone's skin. It's like when you accidentally prick yourself with a sharp pencil or thorn, but imagine it being a lot sharper and with something that could make you sick.

When someone gets a needlestick injury, it's important to tell a grown-up right away because the needle could be carrying germs that can make you sick. A doctor or nurse might want to clean the area where the needle poked through and give medicine to prevent getting sick.

That's why it's important to always be careful when around sharp objects and to ask for help if you're not sure what to do.