Injuries from discarded needles in the community non-occupational exposure are less common and infections rare. There have been no documented cases of HIV infection through contact with needles in this way. Blood-borne viruses that could potentially be transmitted this way include hepatitis B and hepatitis C, as well as HIV.
The risk of transmission following a skin puncture injury is dependent on whether the person who previously used the object had an infection, the level of virus in their blood, the amount of blood involved, the type of needle or syringe in question, the time that has elapsed since it was used, and the nature of the injury.
A different form of PEP, to protect against hepatitis B, is also available. In the US, there were a total of 58 cases of confirmed occupational transmission of HIV to healthcare workers up to , with only one since In the UK, there have only ever been five definite cases of HIV infection following a needlestick injury in a healthcare setting, and none reported in the past 20 years.
The number of cases of HIV acquisition following an accidental needlestick injury globally is thought to be around people in total. Between and , a total of healthcare workers were reported as having been exposed to patient blood containing HIV in the UK. The risk of transmission from a needlestick involving HIV-containing blood has been estimated at 0. However, the reviews of transmission probability upon which this calculation is based date predominantly from the s and s, before the wide-scale introduction of antiretroviral therapy.
In UK guidelines, PEP is therefore no longer recommended following occupational exposure to a source with an undetectable viral load. The greatest risk to healthcare workers of acquiring HIV is following a skin puncture injury involving a hollow needle that has been in the vein or artery of an HIV-positive person who has late-stage disease and a high viral load. The European Union Sharps Directive of stipulates measures to protect healthcare personnel. For this reason, healthcare workers are recommended to have the hepatitis B vaccination, although no vaccine is available for hepatitis C.
A month-long course of antiretroviral medicines taken after exposure or possible exposure to HIV, to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. The hepatitis C virus can be spread through sharing contaminated needles, syringes and other equipment to inject drugs, sharing straws to snort drugs, needlestick injuries, and during childbirth. Sexual transmission does occur, primarily between gay men. Hepatitis C can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness.
Untreated chronic hepatitis C can cause serious liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. While there is no vaccine, treatments are available to clear the virus from the body, leading to its cure. To replicate, a virus must infect a cell and direct its cellular machinery to produce new viruses. Exposure to HIV as a result of work job activities. Exposure may include accidental exposure to HIV-infected blood following a needlestick injury or cut from a surgical instrument.
If you are travelling to a region with basic healthcare facilities, you may want to carry a medical kit with sterilised syringes and needles for personal use. When people who use drugs or others leave used needles or syringes in public places, this can often lead to anxieties and concerns about the risk of HIV transmission. In parks, play areas, beaches, public toilets or streets, people may step on discarded needles or children may handle them.
Waste workers are also at risk of coming into contact with discarded needles. Thanks to needle exchange programmes, there is a very low level of HIV among people who inject drugs in the UK. While HIV transmission from a discarded needle is theoretically possible, needles found in the community are much less likely to result in infection than those in healthcare settings as they have been exposed to the environment and the injuries are usually superficial.
Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Some people, such as health care workers are at increased risk of needlestick injury, which occurs when the skin is accidentally punctured by a used needle.
This article can only offer general guidelines, so see your doctor or occupational health and safety officer for further information and advice. Immediately after the injury Suggestions include: Wash the wound with soap and water. If you are at work, notify your supervisor or occupational health and safety officer - you will need to fill out an accident report form.
Go straight to your doctor, or to the nearest hospital emergency department. Explain the transmission risks, which are small. You should be offered counselling about these tests before the blood specimens are taken. Inform the original user of the needle about the needlestick injury - if they are known. They should be provided with counselling before the tests are done. Advise you about reducing the risk of transmission until the test results are received. You should practise safe sex and avoid donating blood.
Ask your doctor about additional counselling if you think that you will require it. Post exposure prophylaxis PEP Your treating doctor may recommend post exposure prophylaxis. A decision to treat will depend upon: Where testing of the source of exposure is possible - whether the source tests positive to HBV or HIV.
Is there an age limit for clients at needle and syringe programs? Who works at needle and syringe program outlets? Wouldn't it be better to stop people using drugs, rather than give them needles and syringes? Will the distribution of needles and syringes increase injecting drug use? Why do some drug users throw their needles and syringes away? Do needle and syringe programs increase discarding of used needles and syringes? What is the government doing about discarded needles and syringes?
Why aren't retractable needles and syringes available to injecting drug users? I have found a needle and syringe near my home, what should I do? If you tread on a needle and syringe in the park, should you have a HIV or hepatitis C test?
Do people with diabetes have to pay for needles and syringes when people who inject drugs can get free equipment? Where can I find more information about needle and syringe programs and drug and alcohol related issues? Contacts Popular Feedback Provide feedback If you would like a response please complete our enquiries form.
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