Getting shots from a doctor or nurse sucks. Even I, an adult, look away and shut my eyes tight when I get a shot. Like always, gaming can save the day. It's proven, by science, that gaming can help people. Look up the effects Tetris has on people, or how gamification of education makes learning easier. Well, it's time for medicine to get the level up it so desperately needs. 

While not yet widely used, there's a lucky place where kids can wear a VR headset while they get their vaccination shots. Seen below, the kids are shown a fantastical senario where they play the hero. They're tasked with powering up a force field to repel invaders. When the guide dabs their arm, the doctor does the same with a cotton swab. Then the guide uses a 'Fire Fruit' to get the process going, while the doctor uses the needle to inject the vaccine. There's no tears here, and the kids actually have fun. Take a look at the video below.

I like where this is heading. Gaming can make scary visits to the doctor an adventure kids look forward to. Maybe some years down the line, VR headsets can be used during surgery where the patient needs to be awake. Instead of getting cut open, patients explore space, or underwater ruins. Also, this needs to be made for adults. I wasn't kidding when I said I shut my eyes and turn away for shots. I went in for a physical a couple of weeks ago. The nurse filled up two vials. It sucked the entire time. Where's my fantastical event where I use the Fire Fruit to put up a barrier?