Safer Injecting
When injecting, it’s important to always use a clean fit. Avoid sharing injecting equipment if possible. Blood borne viruses such as Hepatitis B, C and HIV can be transmitted by sharing your rigs. Be aware of where blood may end up in the process of injecting. It can remain on or in needles but it can also find its way onto the back of your hand or the top of the table, so don’t assume that just because you can’t see it that it's not there. Wash your hands and clean the area where you've prepped to inject. Injecting drug use and the sharing of equipment may increase your risk of:
- Vein damage and permanent scarring
- Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tetanus and HIV transmission
- Deep vein thrombosis and clots – this may result in the loss of limbs, damage to organs, stroke and possibly even death