TAKE THESE STEPS IF YOU FIND A NEEDLE

If you pick up a needle and accidentally stick yourself with it, get to a
hospital or health unit as quickly as you can.

But there are a couple of things you can do for yourself prior to leaving
the house.

Central Island communicable disease co-ordinator Claire Coombs said the
first thing to do is take care of the wound.

"The main thing is, if somebody pokes themselves with a needle, they should
let it bleed a bit, but don't squeeze it," Coombs said. "Then wash the area
well with soap and water and go to a health unit or hospital for tests."

Coombs stressed that, if the needle has been lying around for while, the
danger of picking up blood-borne infections is actually fairly low, as the
viruses don't survive for very long in the environment.

However, tests should be conducted for AIDS, and the various forms of
hepatitis.

Coombs said needle users should take their used needles to the needle
exchange centre at the Parksville Health Unit.