Safe Injecting
Two of the best methods of gaining some protection from HIV/Aids and Hepatitis C are by practicing safe using and also safe sex. The only way to eliminate the risk totally is by abstinence, which may work from a moral point of view
but will never in practice.
Thanks to the work carried out by all the groups evolved with blood borne virus we as a Country have one of the lowest rates of HIV/Aids infection within the IDU community. Sadly this hasnt been the case with Hep C and this is one area in
which we are pushing for more education.
IDUs can avoid contact with Hep C and the AIDS viruses and transmitting them onto others by using in a safe manner.
The Golden Rules:
NEVER SHARE ANY IV EQUIPMENT
This includes everything from spoons, filters, swabs, tourniquets, water, and of course never share a syringe and needle. There is no safe way in which you can reuse a barrel and
pick.
USE FRESH CLEAN EQUIPMENT EVERY TIME
If you are planning on using, then obtain from your local needle exchange, fresh equipment in advance. This includes sterile waters, wheel filters (which come in a range of sizes) The exchange staff are only too happy to help you if you
havent used one before - just ask, alcohol swabs (and dont use them after you have a hit as alcohol causes you to bleed more), and get your own tourniquet, sterile syringe and needle.
NEVER SHARE YOUR SPOON
Before you start, make sure that you have cleaned your spoon properly by wiping it over with a prep-pad.
BE CLEAN
Once you are ready to begin make sure that you have washed the area on the table or surface down well with a good disinfectant, and then wash your hands well and make sure that you have dried them. Remember to wash yourself before and
after touching anyone else who you are using with.
Once you are all set to hit up then its time to use an alcohol prep pad, remembering to use a fresh one on every occasion and on every person
TOURNIQUET USE
Have your own and remember to throw it away if it becomes soiled and never share. Its important that you know where to apply it and what amount of pressure to use. Again, if you're not sure, speak to your local needle exchange. It is extremely
important that you release the tourniquet as soon as you are into the vein as, if you try hitting with it on, then you run the risk of ballooning the vein and damaging it.
CLEAN UP
As soon as you withdraw the needle place a clean tissue, cotton swab or cotton ball onto the site and apply firm pressure until the bleeding has stopped, dont use prep pads. As soon as you are able clean everything up, place it into your
returns container (which you get free at the Needle Exchange) and return them for safe destruction.
IF YOURE A NON-INJECTING USER
The risks of infection are lower, but there is still a chance of contracting or spreading the Hep C and HIV/Aids virus. Any activity that has the chance of blood contact should be considered risky and avoided. This includes snorting, using
the same straw or by charging or anal insertion. The walls here are easily able to bleed.
