Injecting drug use and HCV

Worldwide, most HCV infections are related to injecting drugs. 

This includes medical and non-medical settings, from sharing needles and other equipment.

HCV is a tougher and smaller virus than HIV and is less easily killed. It can remain infectious for days to weeks. 

• Cleaning syringes with bleach reduces the risk of HIV transmission, but it is less effective against HCV. 
• Sharing syringes (even measuring syringes), cotton, water and ties can also be a risk for HCV.
• Using clean needles and your own equipment each time you inject stops both HIV and HCV  including reinfection.
• It also reduces the risk of other infections.

Sharing equipment for injecting recreational drugs (slamming) has a high risk of HCV transmission (see link and chemsex). 

This includes when taking mephedrone and crystal meth in gay clubs and/or at sex parties.

People who inject drugs often face barriers to HCV treatment. See: link 1 and link 2).

Last updated: 1 November 2024.