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Contact HIV/AIDS

Info on HIV/AIDS:

206-205-7837
TTY: 206-296-4843
Toll-free: 800-678-1595

Administration:

206-296-4649

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HIV/STD Hotline:

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Home » HIV/AIDS Program » Harm reduction and drug use » Tips to reduce risk

HIV/AIDS Program
Tips for injection drug users to reduce risk

If you choose to use, please remember that you can reduce the risk of getting HIV and other blood-borne diseases.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS:

  • Never reuse or share syringes, water, or drug preparation equipment.
  • Use a new syringe every time you inject.
  • Get new syringes from a reliable source (pharmacy or needle exchange).
  • Use clean water.
  • Use a new disinfected container ("cooker").
  • Use a new filter ("cotton").
  • Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
  • Safely dispose of syringes after one use.

These services and supplies are available at your local needle exchange.

  • Syringes
  • Referrals to treatment
  • Information on HIV and other diseases
  • Sterile cottons
  • Cookers
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Bleach
  • Condoms

Protect yourself, your family and your friends!!!

great tips

Cotton iconCotton fever facts
Re-using cottons can put bacteria directly into your blood stream. Cotton fever is uncomfortable, but it's usually not serious.

sharps disposal binSafe, legal and free disposal of sharps

Drop off your container of used sharps at a Public Health Clinic, syringe drop box, recycling and disposal station or your local Needle Exchange.

Updated: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 at 12:45 PM

All information is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional advice. For more information please call (206) 296-4600 (voice) or TTY Relay: 711. Mailing address: ATTN: Communications Team, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 401 5th Ave., Suite 1300, Seattle, WA 98104 or click here to email us.

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