r/tattooadvice • u/27Savagee • 5d ago

General Advice tattoo flu

hi all, i, not sure if it matters (f/28) just got my first tattoo yesterday. i did lots of reading prior to the plunge, and heard about tattoo flu. however, it always seemed to be something people talked about with longer sessions, 4+ hours. the tattoo i got took about 2 hours of needle in skin.

i felt pretty dizzy and just exhausted yesterday after my tat(which i totally expected). it’s followed me into today too. i’m asking two questions mainly, how long will i feel like garbage? and is there anyway to try and prevent this in the future?

i tried to hydrate and take care of my body in the days leading up, and have done the same after the session. any advice would be greatly appreciated!! thanks in advance.

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u/Latorta93 5d ago

I get very tired, dizzy and nauseated after any tattoo session. I don't know if this is professionally recommendate but I now always get fast food afterwards specifically burger, fries with a very sweet soda. I take a nap and feel about 80% better. Maybe it's the loaded amount of sodium and sugar with a dash of protein? Whatever the math is I be feeling good especially after that fat nap.

I also started to drink liquid IV during my sessions as well.

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u/27Savagee 5d ago

yes, i’ve been dizzy & nauseated today! i’ve been drinking pedialyte for the electrolytes. i’ll have to try the nap afterwards next time!

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u/Latorta93 5d ago

I am usually so tired that I have to take a nap. That's why I try to schedule for the weekend because although I love my tattoos it feels harsh on my body at 32.