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Some people in sexual relationships think: “We’re having unprotected sex, so it doesn’t make any difference if we share fits.” It does. Hep C is rarely transmitted sexually, but is easily transmitted by sharing injecting equipment and paraphernalia. There is more than one type of hep C virus, so even if you are hep C positive, you need to avoid catching other types of the virus. HIV is transmitted much more easily by needles and syringes than through sex. Having your own safe space to inject in and keeping your stuff separate protects you and protects your partner. Never share with anyone, not even the people who are closest to you.
In Queensland, for further information on safer injecting contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on (07) 3236 2414 or regional freecall 1800 177 833.
Below is the information the briefing paper gives to pharmacists to support the text on the calendar card.
The key issue being addressed by this month’s cards is that hep C is easily transmitted by sharing injecting equipment, but it is rarely sexually transmitted. Many IDUs in sexual relationships with a partner who also injects think that, if they are having unsafe sex with their partner, they might as well share injecting equipment. This is a dangerous mistake to make if one has hep C (or catches it from someone else during the relationship) and the other doesn’t. Even if they are both hep C positive, there are different genotypes of the hep C virus and co-infection with two or more types significantly worsens treatment response. And all injectors should also be aware that HIV and hep B are both transmitted much more easily on needles and syringes than through sex. The use of condoms in sexual relationships should still be strongly reinforced as protection from pregnancy, HIV, and hep B. Key intervention points: But if you do get the chance, you could open the discussion, and reinforce the key points with simple questions like “what did you think of the card?” or “did you already know that people can catch hep C from sharing fits much more easily than through sex?” Further reading
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