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HIV can be spread by unsterilized needles or syringes, most often
those used for injecting drugs. Used razor blades, knives or tools
that cut or pierce the skin also carry some risk of spreading
HIV. 
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 HIV and Injection
Drug Use (IDU)
IDU HIV transmission among injection drug users is the result of any
piece of drug equipment that has been contaminated by HIV-infected fluids
(usually blood) being reused by another without sterilization. In addition
to syringes and needles, the water used to rinse syringes, cotton used
to filter drugs as they are drawn into the syringe, and even the shared
drug itself can harbor the virus and serve as vehicles for transmitting
HIV.
· Young IDUs who continue to inject drugs must be educated about
the extreme dangers of sharing needles and syringes.
· Increasing the availability of new syringes to young IDUs who
continue to inject drugs significantly reduces the rate and prevalence
of new HIV infections.
· Needle exchange programs have been found to reduce HIV transmission
among IDUs without encouraging or increasing illegal drug use (according
to the CDC).
The following steps can reduce but not completely eliminate the risk
of transmitting HIV through injection drug use:
1. Use a sterile syringe for each injection.
2. If you cannot use a new or sterile syringe, DO NOT SHARE
3. If you do share needles, always completely disinfect them with
bleach. (this is not as safe as using a new or sterile one)
HIV and Tattoos
Tattoos & Piercing
Many people find that tattoos and piercing help them express themselves.
Images of beauty and power, abstract designs, names and places- you
dream it, you can get it. But tattoos and piercing may put you at risk
for HIV, which can be transmitted through needles and blood. So know
the rules for safe tattoos and piercing:
· Make sure the piercer/tattoo artist explains all safety measures
before tattooing or piercing starts
·Make sure the piercer/tattoo artist is wearing gloves
·Make sure the needle is sterilised and discarded after use
·All inks should be in disposable caps and discarded after use;
sharing needles or ink can transfer HIV.
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