Treatment & Injections

Injections are used to deliver medications, fluids, or nutrients directly into the body for fast and effective treatment. Whether it's managing chronic conditions, administering vaccines, or providing emergency care, different types of injections are used based on the patient's needs.

An elderly woman receiving a flu vaccine in her upper arm from a healthcare professional wearing blue gloves.

Intramuscular (IM) Injections

These injections go directly into muscle tissue, where the rich blood supply allows for rapid absorption.

Common Uses:

  • Vaccines (flu, tetanus, hepatitis)

  • Antibiotics (penicillin, streptomycin)

  • Corticosteroids for inflammation

  • Hormone therapy (testosterone, progesterone)

  • Emergency medications for severe allergic reactions

Injection Sites:

  • Upper outer thigh

  • Shoulder (deltoid muscle)

  • Hip

A happy elderly woman in a hospital gown receiving an IV treatment from a nurse in a green uniform in a bright room with large green plants outside a window.

Intraosseous (IO) Injections

When IV access is difficult, medications and fluids can be administered directly into the bone marrow for immediate circulation. This method is primarily used in emergencies.

Common Uses:

  • Severe trauma or injury

  • Stroke or cardiac arrest

  • Respiratory distress

  • Emergency pain relief for terminally ill patients

  • Seizures or insulin shock

  • Life-threatening infections (septic shock)

Injection Sites:

  • Lower leg bone (tibia)

  • Upper arm bone (humerus)

  • Thigh bone (femur)

Subcutaneous (SC) Injections

These injections are given just under the skin into the fatty tissue, allowing slow and steady absorption of medication. They are typically less painful and have a lower risk of complications.

Common Uses:

  • Insulin for diabetes

  • Blood thinners (Heparin)

  • Vaccines (MMR, varicella)

  • Pain management (morphine, fentanyl)

  • Fertility treatments and allergy medications

Injection Sites:

  • Outer upper arm

  • Front and outer thigh

  • Abdomen

A healthcare professional in a white coat holding a syringe, with a stethoscope around their neck.

Intravenous (IV) Injections

IV injections deliver medication directly into a vein, ensuring immediate absorption and fast action. They can be given as a one-time dose or continuously via an IV drip.

Common Uses:

  • Fluids and electrolytes for dehydration

  • Pain management after surgery

  • Anesthesia for procedures

  • Iron therapy for severe anemia

  • Chemotherapy for cancer treatment

  • Emergency treatments (monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19, contrast dye for imaging tests)

Injection Sites:

  • Back of the hand

  • Forearm

  • Inner elbow

A healthcare worker in scrubs and a face mask holding hands with an elderly patient lying in bed.