Heroin-Related Infections: Understanding the Threat, Identifying Varieties, and Practical Preventive Measures
Heroin use carries a significant risk of infections and complications, particularly blood-borne infections like hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV, and skin infections such as cellulitis. These risks arise primarily from unsafe injection practices, such as using non-sterile needles or injecting in unsanitary conditions.
To prevent these infections, key precautions include using sterile needles and syringes and other injection equipment each time, practicing safe injection techniques, accessing needle and syringe programs, obtaining education and counseling on safer injection practices, using wound care kits and hygiene supplies, and having access to naloxone kits to prevent fatal overdoses.
Additionally, reducing or eliminating injection drug use through opioid agonist treatment, such as methadone or buprenorphine, can significantly lower the risk of infections and other complications.
People who inject drugs accounted for 70% of new HIV cases in 2018, and research from 2020 found that cellulitis is common in this population. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can enter the skin through an injection site, causing pain, skin discoloration, and swelling. If a person develops cellulitis, it is best to consult a doctor, as it requires treatment with antibiotics.
HIV spreads through the exchange of certain bodily fluids, such as blood and semen, while HBV and HCV spread through blood-to-blood contact. Doctors call damage and inflammation of the liver due to infection "viral hepatitis."
Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are just a few examples.
It is important to note that the best way to prevent infection from heroin use is to stop using it completely. However, for those who are unable to do so, taking the precautions mentioned above can significantly reduce the risk of infections and complications.
In summary, both safe injection practices and harm reduction services are crucial to minimizing the risk of infections associated with heroin use, while also addressing overdose risk and supporting treatment. By taking these precautions and seeking help when needed, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of infections and complications from heroin use.
