References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Sharing needles or injecting equipment can transmit several blood-borne infections, most importantly HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. These are the same viruses that can spread through sexual contact, but the risk from shared injecting equipment is particularly high because blood is transferred directly. Understanding the risk helps protect you.
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Infections Transmitted Through Needles
| Infection | Risk |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis C | Highest — main transmission route in UK |
| Hepatitis B | High — more infectious than HIV |
| HIV | Significant — about 63 per 10,000 exposures |
- Needles and syringes
- Spoons and cookers
- Filters
- Water used for mixing
- Tourniquets
Reducing Risk
- Never share any injecting equipment
- Use needle and syringe programmes (NSPs)
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Consider PrEP if at risk of HIV
- Test regularly
What About Accidental Needlestick Injuries?
- Risk from discarded street needles is very low
- HIV doesn’t survive well outside the body
- Hepatitis C is more resilient
- First aid: wash with soap and water
- Contact A&E if concerned — PEP may be offered
Testing After Possible Exposure
- Baseline test immediately
- HIV at 4 weeks
- Hepatitis B and C at 6 weeks and 3 months
- PEP for HIV within 72 hours if indicated
Read more: Needlestick injuries | Hepatitis B and C | STIs without sex
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the risk from a found needle the same as sharing?
No — much lower. HIV doesn’t survive long outside the body.
Can I get free clean needles?
Yes — needle exchange programmes are widely available across the UK.
Yes — testing is important even without symptoms.
Related reading
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing?
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Can You Get an STI if You're Both Virgins?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
