If you're really sick with a virus or bacterial infection Earring Piercing, you probably don't want to do much of anything, not least go to get a tattoo or piercing. But what if you're starting to get better, or just have a simple cold or hay fever? At what point is it physically safe for you to get pierced? And when is it okay to get a tattoo? If you have any kind of communicable disease or infection, consult your healthcare provider about whether or not to get a piercing or tattoo. You don't want to compromise your immune system, and although it may not feel like it both piercings and tattoos both take their toll on your body. Any time you're sick or have a wound, it creates an immune system response, meaning that your body sends out white blood cells, antibodies, proteins and other bodily "soldiers" to wage war on whatever is causing the problem, be it bacteria, virus, rose gold body piercing jewelry or even something you're highly allergic to.