Needle sharing
Needle sharing is the practice of using the same syringe or needle by multiple individuals, often for the purpose of intravenous drug use.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈniːdəl ˈʃɛərɪŋ/
Etymology
The term "needle sharing" is a compound of the words "needle", derived from Old English nǣdl, and "sharing", derived from Old English scearu meaning "a cutting, shearing, tonsure; a part or division".
Definition
Needle sharing is a high-risk behavior associated with the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly HIV and hepatitis C. This practice is common among people who inject drugs (PWID) due to limited access to clean needles and syringes.
Related Terms
Risks
Needle sharing is a major route of transmission for blood-borne diseases, especially HIV and hepatitis C. The risk of transmission is significantly increased when needles are shared, reused, or not properly sterilized.
Prevention
Prevention strategies include harm reduction approaches such as syringe exchange programs, which provide clean needles and syringes to PWID. Education about the risks of needle sharing and the importance of using clean needles is also crucial.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Needle sharing
- Wikipedia's article - Needle sharing
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