Peer Facilitator Tools ___________________________________________________
HIV Prevention Strategies for people who inject drugs
It is important to remember that if someone injects , there are ways to reduce the risks Safer injecting practices of contracting HIV , hepatitis C and other blood borne infections , experiencing overdose , and damaging veins .
Irreversible damage to the veins may occur where there is :
o Repeated use of the same area of the body for injection o Poor injection technique o Injection with blunt ( reused ) needles o Injection with needles that are too large for the vein you are using o Injection of irritant substances
In the course of conversations about injecting techniques , discuss how service providers should provide information to their clients about the importance of :
o Washing hands and cleaning the injection site with soap and water , or an alcohol swab .