I've had the stinging when injecting and I reckon I can feel the Lantus going in more than the Apidra. I also have the bleeding every now and then (usually when I'm in a hurry or I'm out somewhere which is annoying).... and sometimes I get concerned whether that means insulin is leaking out at that point. I've never been told to swab either... when I was shown how to inject it was never mentioned. I always wash my hands before injecting and after. I wash my hands a lot generally anyhow, especially around others as I'm conscious of not picking up more bugs... I've had more than my fair share.