Lisa's experience with injecting drugs
The following scenario is adapted from Streetwize Communications (2001, Hep C Comic: "Hit Me With Your Best Shot").
My older sister, Lisa and her friend Jenny were making plans for a big night. Lisa scored some speed and paid a visit to the local NSP (Needle and Syringe Program).
Later at the party, Lisa said she had some speed to share. Jenny wasn't keen at first about sharing but when she realised Lisa had a separate fit (needle and syringe) for her, off they went to the loo. Things didn't go that well at first for Jenny and she had a couple of goes at it which meant she was putting her needle back and forth into the spoon. Lisa took a sterile syringe out of the packet. She knew it wasn't wise to share needles. Then Lisa took the tourniquet off Jenny while she mixed another hit up in the spoon.
Soon they were back on the dance floor. The music was great.
Six months later Jenny found out that Lisa is hepatitis C positive (has the hepatitis C virus in her blood). Jenny had been feeling like she had the flu for the last few weeks so she decided to go to the doctor. At the doctor's clinic, she found out that hepatitis C is spread through blood to blood contact and that the smallest amount of blood, invisible to the naked eye is enough to pass the disease on.
Those most at risk of catching hepatitis C are injecting drug users. The virus can be transmitted once blood comes into contact with any equipment used or clothing involved (such as a belt or scarf used as a tourniquet) and not just needles and syringes. Hepatitis C is the most serious form of hepatitis and can cause long-term liver damage or liver cancer.
The lesson is:
BE BLOOD AWARE, NEVER SHARE ANY EQUIPMENT, AND DON'T LET YOUR BLOOD BECOME INFECTED.
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