Needle sharing

Needle sharing is the practice of intravenous drug-users by which a needle or syringe is shared by multiple individuals to administer intravenous drugs such as heroin, steroids, and hormones.[1] This is a primary vector for blood-borne diseases which can be transmitted through blood (blood-borne pathogens).[2] People who inject drugs (PWID) are at an increased risk for Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV due to needle sharing practices.[3] From 1933 to 1943, malaria was spread between users in the New York City area by this method. Afterwards, the use of quinine as a cutting agent in drug mixes became more common.[4] Harm reduction efforts including safe disposal of needles, supervised injection sites, and public education may help bring awareness on safer needle sharing practices.

  1. ^ "Sharing needles to inject drugs, and HIV". Avert. 2015-06-23. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
  2. ^ "Access to clean syringes | Health Impact in 5 Years | Health System Transformation | AD for Policy | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2019-07-01. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
  3. ^ "People who inject drugs". World Health Organization. Retrieved 2017-10-31.
  4. ^ Helpern M (1977). "An Epidemic of Sorts". Autopsy : the memoirs of Milton Helpern, the world's greatest medical detective. New York: St. Martin's Press. pp. 70–71. ISBN 978-0-312-06211-8.