Where can I get tested and vaccinated in Nottingham?

The Health Shop

Tel: 0115 905 5001

12 Broad Street, Hockley, Nottingham NG1 3AL

Nottingham Sexual Health Service

Tel: 0115 962 7627

Victoria Health Centre(behind Victoria Shopping Centre), Glasshouse Street, NottinghamNG1 3LW

Terence Higgins Trust

Tel: 0115 882 0121

12 High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN

GPs

Some of these services may be available at your local health centre or doctors surgery. Please contact them to check if they provide this service.

Contact Numbers for National Organisations:

Hep C Trust: 0845 223 4424

British Liver Trust: 0800 652 7330

Terrence Higgins Trust: 0808 812 1221

UNPROTECTED SEX

Wearing a condom forms a barrier between the penis and anything else, eg the vagina, mouth or anus. Condoms stop sperm getting out and also stop anything else getting in. However, some sexually transmitted infections, such as pubic lice, can still be transmitted because they live in the pubic region (which is not protected by the condom).

NEEDLES AND SYRINGES

A used needle can have traces of blood on or in it. Therefore, sharing or re-using needles can lead to the transmission of hepatitis B and C and HIV. Needles aren’t just used for injecting drugs, they are also used for vaccines, steroids and other purposes. Paraphernalia, e.g. syringes, filters, etc can also contain traces of blood and should not be shared or re-used.

PIERCING

Any form of piercing, either for body jewellery, acupuncture or as a sexual practice, could potentially transmit a blood borne virus. Piercing involves breaking the skin and therefore blood can be present. Sharing piercing equipment or jewellery could be a potential risk.

MOTHER TO CHILD

Blood borne viruses can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn child during pregnancy (usually the risk is greater the higher her viral load.) Viruses can also be transmitted during childbirth and some can also be transmitted through breastfeeding.

TATTOOING

Tattooing involves piercing or breaking the skin, so there is a possible route for transmission. Blood borne viruses can also be harboured in ink or inkpots used to colour in tattoos, so it is always advisable to insist on new ones.

BLOOD & BLOOD PRODUCTS

In the UK, blood and blood products are screened for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and therefore the products should be relatively safe. However, other countries do not have stringent screening measures. Therefore, blood and blood products could potentially be infectious.

Hepatitis B, C

& HIV infection

How do I know

I’ve got it?

Hepatitis B

How do I catch it?

Hepatitis B is passed by any infected body fluid (including blood) and can be passed on by:

  • Sex without a condom (oral, vaginal, anal)
  • Sharing any drug taking kit, including needles, syringes, filters, water, spoons, straws and pipes or by ‘splitting’ drugs
  • Mother to baby during birth.
  • Tattooing and body piercing with un-sterile equipment.
  • Sharing toothbrushes, razors and hair clippers.

How can I prevent myself from catching it?

Get vaccinated (you need at least 3 vaccines to be protected.)

Use condoms / dental dams during sex and oral sex.

Don’t share any drug taking kit or “split” any drugs.

Ensure sterile equipment is used for tattooing and piercing.

Don’t share toothbrushes, razors or hair clippers.

Hepatitis C

How do I catch it?

This is more common amongst drug users!

Hepatitis C is passed on by infected blood. This can occur through:

  • Sharing any drug taking kit, including needles, syringes, filters, water, spoons, straws and pipes or by “splitting” drugs.
  • Mother to baby during birth.
  • Tattooing and body piercing with un-sterile equipment.
  • Sharing toothbrushes, razors and hair clippers.
  • During sex if infected blood is present.
  • Anal sex – a recent study has shown that Hepatitis C can be present in both semen and rectal fluid in sufficient quantities to transmit the virus.

How can I prevent myself from catching it?

  • There is currently no vaccine available to prevent you from catching this virus.
  • Don’t share any drug taking kit or ‘split’ any drugs.
  • Ensure sterile equipment is used for tattooing and piercing.
  • Don’t share toothbrushes, razors or hair clippers.
  • Use condoms / dental dams during sex & oral sex.

HIV

How do I catch it?

HIV is passed on through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk, which then enters another person by:

  • Sex without a condom (oral, vaginal, anal and sharing sex toys)
  • Sharing any drug taking kit, including needles, syringes, filters, water, spoons, straws and pipes or by “splitting” drugs.
  • Tattooing and body piercing with un-sterile equipment.
  • Sharing toothbrushes, razors and hair clippers.

How can I prevent myself from catching it?

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent you from catching this virus.

  • Always use a condom / dental dams during sex & oral sex. Ensure sex toys are cleaned between use & protected with condoms.
  • Don’t share any drug taking kit or ‘split’ any drugs.
  • Ensure sterile equipment is used for tattooing and piercing.
  • Don’t share toothbrushes, razors or hair clippers.
  • PEP/PrEP