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COTTON
Facts & Tips
- Sharing
cottons can spread HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
- Spores
& bacteria grow in used cottons.
- Don’t
save used cottons for when you can't score.
Save a tiny bit of dope instead.
- Use
a fresh, clean cotton every time you shoot.
Cotton
fever is probably not caused by cotton fibers. It's more
likely caused by bacteria that live in the cotton. Cotton can grow
a lot of bacteria, especially after it gets wet. Re-using cottons
can put bacteria directly into your blood stream. Cotton fever is
uncomfortable, but it's usually not serious.
Symptoms
may include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Hot
flashes
- Shaking
that you can't control
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness
of breath
Symptoms
usually show up right after injecting, but may take up to an hour.
Taking a second hit will not make them go away. Instead, grab a
blanket and let the infection take its course.
If
symptoms last longer than 3 to 4 hours, or get worse, go
to an emergency room. Don't ignore these symptoms, especially
if they last. They can mean that you have a very serious infection
or even a blood clot that could kill you.
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Always use a fresh new cotton, a new cooker and a new sterile
syringe.
-
Before you shoot, wash your hands and the injection
site with lots of soap and hot water.
Then wipe the site with an alcohol pad.
Get
all the FREE cottons, cookers & alcohol wipes you need at the
Needle Exchange.
- Exchange
used rigs for new, sterile ones.
- Test
for HIV, hepatitis & TB.
-
Get great advice and helpful hints from our vein care pros.
- Get
quality health care from the docs in our Medical Clinic (Monday
- Friday, 1:30 - 4:30 pm).
There
are 7 needle exchange sites in King County.
Call 206-205-7837 for hours and more info.
www.metrokc.gov/health/apu
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