Shooting Up: Infections among injecting drug users in the United Kingdom 2008. An update: 2009

Synopsis

• Transmission of HIV and hepatitis C infection through injecting drug use remains higher than in the late 1990s. Overall, around two-fifths of injecting drug users are now infected with hepatitis C and about one in 73 with HIV.
• Injecting site infections are common, with around onethird of injecting drug users reporting an abscess, sore, or open wound at an injecting site in the last year.
• Injecting into the groin and the injection of crack cocaine, which are associated with higher levels of infection and risky injecting, have become more common.
• Needle and syringe sharing has declined in recent years with around a fifth of injecting drug users continuing to share. The sharing of other injecting equipment is more common.
• There has been a marked increase in the number of injecting drug users receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, with over two-thirds now reporting vaccination.
• Services to reduce injecting-related harm and support for those who want to stop injecting should continue to be developed in line with published guidance.

Last reviewed: 4 November 2009