Toronto, Nov 19 (IANS) The very word needle seems to petrify some people, as much as the sight of one sliding into the skin.

Experts believe this fear of needles may be preventing people from rolling up their sleeves for the H1N1 shots.

'Pain and the actual fear of getting the injection is often the barrier that prevents people from getting the vaccine,' said psychologist Christine Chambers, based at Dalhousie University.

Concerned that students who are making health decisions for themselves may be bypassing immunization for H1N1 because of their fear of needles, Chambers assures there are things they can do to reduce pain.

For one, she suggests the purchase of a topical anaesthetic cream or a patch and applying it 30 to 60 minutes before getting the needle.

She also advises practicing the art of distraction; in other words, try not to think about it so much. Bring along an ipod while you're waiting in line or take a friend with you.

'The other thing to do is breathing exercises,' she says. 'If your body is tense, the needle will hurt more. But we know simple deep breathing exercises -- the kind you might do in yoga class -- are effective at reducing pain.'

Chambers says needles are painful for some, but that the fear of the needle may be out of proportion to the actual pain, according to a Dalhousie release.

People who have had bad experiences in the past may have good reason to be fearful, Chambers adds.