SPRING CAN BRING HEALTH RISKS IN FORM OF USED SYRINGES

Spring brings green grass and flowers but it can also uncover some
unwanted items, including used syringes, warns the health unit.

The needles can carry HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses and can be
left behind by intravenous drug users.

"Children can come across a used needle in a park or other public
place," said Bill Sherlock, a program manager with the Hastings and
Prince Edward Counties Health Unit. "Teach your children what a
syringe looks like and advise them never to touch one and to let an
adult know if they see one."

Being jabbed by a syringe is called a "needle-stick injury" and
should be treated as a medical emergency, he said.

Property owners have the legal responsibility for removing used
syringes but they can get assistance from the health unit or police,
Sherlock said. The health unit can provide a 'sharps' container to
those who need one.

The health unit said the people should follow certain steps if they
come across a used needle:

Do not touch the needle.

If you do not have a sharps container, call for help at the local
police department or the health unit at 613-966-5500. If the call is
made before or after health unit business hours, follow the prompts
and call the after-hours number.

Do not pick up the needle with your hands - use tongs or pliers instead.

Never put a needle into the garbage or recycling.

If you are stuck by a needle:

Allow the wound to bleed freely.

Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Disinfect the wound (for example, with an alcohol swab).

Cover the wound with a bandage.

Seek immediate medical attention at an emergency department. You may
need testing and post-exposure medication.