This year, Spike on a Bike celebrates the fantastic World Hepatitis Awareness Day on 28th July 2024. Every year we remember that we can work together to eradicate Hepatitis by using simple tools, engaging with services and raising awareness. It can be beaten and people can be saved.
Our statement on Hepatitis at Spike on a Bike is simple:
GET TESTED. STAY PROTECTED.
Did you know that every 30 seconds somebody loses their life to hepatitis related viral illness?Hepatitis affects all communities, does not discriminate based on lifestyle, and it not exclusive to any demographic.
At Spike on a Bike, we work towards reducing the rate of infection by providing equipment and tools to protect yourself from exposure to Hepatitis and other Blood Borne Viruses. If you feel you have put yourself at risk of exposure to Hepatitis, you can request a Dry Blood Spot Test be completed by our team. You can either make an order with Spike on a Bike and request a DBST or, visit https://www.itsinourblood.co.uk/
We can also provide guidance and support for those who test positive for Hepatitis, feel concerned that they may have been exposed to it or worried a loved one may have done the same. You can call us on 0330 363 9997 to speak with us.
If you feel more comfortable speaking with your GP first; please do so. It doesn't matter how you get tested or which organisation you choose to engage with, our goal is for everyone to see Hepatitis as something that we can eradicate and it is a shared goal of all able organisations to do so. Don't forget; while Hepatitis Day focusses on the loss of loved ones all around the world to Hepatitis, it also celebrates that it can be treated, lives can be saved and there are countless success stories worldwide.
What is a Blood Borne Virus or BBV?
A BBV is a Blood Borne Virus which is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. The 3 main BBV's are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
How can you become infected with a BBV?
Tattoos & Piercings.
Did you know that tattoos and piercings are a route of BBV transmission?
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV can all be transmitted through re-used, unsterile tattoo and piercing equipment.
To reduce the risk:
Book tattoos and piercings with a licensed tattooist/piercer
Ensure that all needles are clean and sterile
Avoid home tattooing and piercing kits if possible (It can be difficult to keep things sterile in a non-sterile environment.)
Unprotected Sex.
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV can all be transmitted through unprotected sex (including oral and anal sex). Always use a condom to reduce the risk of BBVs and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Regular BBV and STI testing is also recommended.
Shared Paraphernalia.
A lot of people associate BBV's with shared needles but did you know that BBV's are also transmitted though sharing other drug paraphernalia?
BBV's can be transmitted through shared:
Joints and cigarettes, Snorting equipment, Bongs, Needles, Water, spoons and filters, Pipes
Vapes/E-Cigarettes
(You might think it’s okay to share with your friend but if they’re sharing with you then they’re probably sharing with other people too!)
Blood Transfusions.
Since September 1991 all blood in the UK has been screened for Blood Borne Viruses. If you had a blood transfusion prior to this date then you could have been exposed to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
If you feel you may have have a blood transfusion prior to September 1991 then please get yourself tested by speaking to your GP, or booking a test here https://www.itsinourblood.co.uk/
What can we do to eradicate Hepatitis?
"We have the tools we need to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 – but progress is still too slow. Resources are not being mobilised; stigma and discrimination are not being addressed; and despite commitments made by governments and institutions, millions are being left behind."
At Spike on a Bike, we have a clear view of what needs to be done. We have the tools to play our small part in reducing the rate of infection, the ability for people to access testing and treatment pathways. We have a team of highly skilled substance support staff who work daily to test and educate the public and deliver clean needle exchange supplies to those struggling to access support. While our service focusses on clean injecting equipment availability and knowledge sharing on best practices to reduce the risk of infection particularly from Hepatitis C, there is still a lot of work to do in communities in reducing stigma. As we already know, Hepatitis does not discriminate by demographic; therefore it is a shared responsibility for everyone to engage with services, report discarded needles in your local area, get tested if you feel you have been at risk of infection and spread the good word that:
Hepatitis is on borrowed time.
Get Tested Here
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