Sexual Health News
BLOOD-BORNE VIRUSES:
Health & Safety Guidelines
Below are some general guidelines that everyone should observe, both to help prevent the spread of most Blood-Borne Viruses (namely Hepatitis B and C, and HIV) but also just for basic health and safety.
- Clean up all blood spills with undiluted household bleach. This is mostly relevant to Hepatitis C, as it can live outside of the body in blood for a matter of weeks.
- Avoid sharing 'personal' items, namely razors, toothbrushes, scissors, nailclippers, etc.
- Dispose of sanitary products or other blood-stained items either by incineration (burning) or by tying them up into a plastic bag or container before placing in the bin.
- Do not share any equipment used for injecting drugs. This includes needles, swabs, syringes, filters, spoons, water glasses, tourniquets, lighters, etc. Anything that comes into contact with contaminated blood should be avoided when injecting drugs. Do not draw up injectable drugs from a shared pool, either.
- Practice Safer Sex. This involves minimising the risk of transferring body fluids from person to another. This could be through using a condom or femidom (female condom), or through having sex that doesn't involve penetration. Safer sexual practices include masturbating each other and oral sex. In terms of Hepatitis B and C, be particularly careful around any sexual activities that involve blood. This includes any kind of sex during menstruation (on a period) or "traumatic sex" where blood is drawn either intentionally or otherwise.
- Get checked out at your local GUM clinic for any other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). It is thought that the presence of other STIs can increase the risk of transmission of viruses such as HIV or Hepatitis B and C. This is because, firstly, the immune system is busy battling with one infection. And, secondly, an infection such as herpes can create a weakening of the skin's membrane, making it easier for other viruses to get in.
- Ensure that sterile needles are used for ear and body piercing, tattooing, acupuncture, and scarification.
- Carefully clean cuts and wounds with detergent and clean water and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Cover wounds with a waterproof dressing.
- Safely dispose of used needles and injecting equipment. Pharmacies across the city have sharps disposal units, as does the Harbour Centre, or check with your GP.
- If you know you have Hepatitis B, C or HIV, you must avoid registering as a blood/organ donor.
- If you know you have Hepatitis B or C, you must be careful around food preparation, and use gloves for washing up.
- Ask about vaccinations against Hepatitis B.
This is the information as we know it. If you think you may have been at risk from any of these viruses, you can ask for a test at your local GUM clinic or you GP. At a GUM clinic, tests will also screen for syphilis.