CATIE
Hepatitis C Key Messages - Harm Reduction
Everything new, every time you use. Prevent hepatitis C if you inject, smoke or snort drugs.
- Hepatitis C can be passed if drug use supplies that have come in contact with infected blood are shared.
- Use a new needle and syringe, cooker, filter, sterile water and alcohol swab if you inject drugs.
- Use your own pipe or stem and mouthpiece if you smoke drugs.
- Use your own rolled paper, straw or other supplies if you snort drugs.
- Connect with harm reduction services near you, such as a supervised consumption site, overdose prevention site or needle and syringe program. These services can give you information on safer drug use and how to respond to an overdose, and they can help to connect you to other supports and services.
- Try to avoid using alone. Carry naloxone, know how to use it and let others know you have it.