edition
18
DEC 2014
A new look for tina
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PART ONE
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3
4
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CONTINUED PAGE 14
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What's the deal
with Hep C overseas?
Hepatitis C and hepatitis B are more common in some countries outside Australia. If you have travelled to one of these countries and:
✈ ✈
Been tattooed; Had surgery, a blood transfusion, or a vaccination;
or
✈
Shared injecting equipment
You may be at risk for hep C or hep B.
✈
You may also be at risk of contracting hep B through unprotected sex in an overseas country.
✈
If you don't know your hep B status, it's important to have a test and discuss with your doctor about getting vaccinated against hep B.
✈
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There is no vaccine to protect against hep C.
Whether you know you have hep C or not, it's important to be 'blood aware' overseas. Things like tattooing, surgery and seeing a dentist have a higher risk of transmission in some countries outside Australia. Blood transfusions, vaccinations, and dental and medical procedures are safe in Australia.
New injecting equipment may be harder to come by overseas. It’s important to look after yourself and your mates by using fresh equipment to inject, even if you’re far from home. See the list of international drug user groups at http://www.inpud.net/en/links for good harm reduction contacts.
To find NSPs* in Australia, visit hep.org.au. We aim to bring you an upto-date directory of NSPs in NSW.
*Needle Syringe Program
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Hep C in the home d diagnose n recently y about e e b e ’v u If yo ay worr C, you m with hep a family to s u e vir steps can passing th me simple your o S r. e b mem ion in transmiss help stop . household patitis C is er that He lood-toRememb hb ad throug only spre ot spread n ’s It t. c ta n , o c d o blo g, kissing g, cuddlin by touchin or utensils, or any od sharing fo contact. al u s a c r e oth
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➲➲ ➲➲ ➲➲ ➲➲
Don’t share razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippe rs. These items can have tiny traces of blood on them .
Dispose of tampons and sanitary napkins caref ully, by tying them inside a plastic bag before you put them in the bin.
Be ‘blood aware’ if you are injured. Keep glove s in the house for looking after injuries and blood spills . Wipe down contaminated areas with bleach.
Hep C is not classified as a sexually transmitte d infection. People should avoid blood-to-blood contact during sex as this could transmit hep C. Hep C transmission during sex can happen if there is any blood present, like period blood, or tears in the skin or anal membrane. There is an increased risk of sexual transmission for men who have sex with men who are also HIV positive. Using condoms is a good way to protect against blood-to-blood contact.
Photostrip by Pascal
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Hepatitis C is transmitted when infected blood enters your bloodstream. Tattooing (like body piercing) involves blood. Unsterile tattooing practices and equipment can put you at risk. Hepatitis C can lead to serious illness and liver damage. Choose a registered business, and find a tattooist that can answer your questions
about safe and sterile tattooing. Remember, cheaper is not always safer. For more information about hepatitis C call the Hep C Infoline on 1800 703 003, or visit www.hepcvic.org.au
With thanks to Hepatitis Victoria for the use of this poster.
Thanks to Sara Melder at Dynamic Tattoo.
Once the ink gets under your skin it will always be there – so could the hepatitis C virus.
head to http://bit.ly/HealthyBodyArt for a complete brochure on safe piercing and tattooing
than tattoos are riskier e m so t Bu . ng ni t just mea g. risks attached, no oos while travellin tt ta t ge t n’ do Tattoos come with d s, an backyard operator C transmission, others. Beware of great risk of hep a s ie rr ca n iso pr piercings done in Having tattoos or . t is hard to come by ced artist as sterile equipmen ek out an experien se to is oo tt ta ng e sure they a safe, good-looki gienic premises. Mak hy n, ea cl Your best bet for r fo es for ok essional studio. Lo new disposable glov r ea w ey th at th working in a prof u and ent in front of yo open fresh equipm separate every client. should use small, st ti ar oo tt ta ur ntainer e on the ink: yo ing into one big co pp di of d ea st in Finally, keep an ey , ient oos ink for each cl containers of tatt use. for that many clients e, but it’s worth it or m e tl lit a u yo cost oo in Australia will A professional tatt d good health. quality artwork an
Textures © Rachel Webb and hhh316
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PART TWO
It’s possible that you’ve come into contact with infected blood.
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you a referral
Typically 75% of people exposed to hepatitis c develop chronic or ongoing hepatitis.
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Oh, is that it? There’s a lot you can do about it.
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Besides, hepatitis C can be treated. there’s a good chance of cure.
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Answers 1) note on the fridge is up higher 2) Tony's coffee mug is black 3) the neighbour's house has no chimney 4) Carmen on the swing in a different position 5) There is steam rising from Tina's mug 6) Tina's expression is different 7) The over doesn't have any knobs on it 8) Tony has one less finger resting against the table 9) Tony's tattoo is facing the opposite way
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picture b
picture a
spot 10 differences between pictures a&b
the difference
CROSSWORD
s
Across 2. The organ most affected by hepatitis C is the _____. 5. The liver is located on the _____ side of the body. 7. Hepatitis C can only be spread by blood to _____ contact. 8. Scarring of the liver is called _________. 9. There is a _______ to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but as yet there is not one for hepatitis C. Down 1. The most common way for hepatitis C to be transmitted in Australia is through injecting ____ use. 3. Hepatitis C is a form of _____ hepatitis, caused by infection by a virus. 4. Health care workers sometimes acquire hepatitis C from _________ injuries, but this is very uncommon in the community. 6. Home or 'backyard' _______, or those done in prison, present a much higher risk of transmission than those done professionally. 8. Sexual contact of hepatitis C is rare, but you can reduce your risk even further by using a ______.
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Answers across: 2) LIVER 5) RIGHT 7) BLOOD 8) CIRRHOSIS 9) VACCINE Answers down: 1) DRUG 2) VIRAL 4) NEEDLESTICK 6) TATTOOS 8) CONDOM
g n i v a e L
n o s i r p
is
h g tou
...
a WIPAN mentor might assist you
are WIPAN ting suppor women ers n ex-priso k ac settle b n o into life e sid the out
With the WIPAN Mentoring Program you: Meet face-to-face weekly Get assistance to find other necessary services Talk confidentially about life’s challenges Enjoy activities together Strengthen confidence and self-esteem Create mutual trust and respect Have a positive role model Develop life skills If you are interested in having a Mentor contact the
Women In Prison Advocacy Network (WIPAN)
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Tel: 02 8011 0693 Mobile: 0415 454 770 Email: mentoring@wipan.net.au Website: www.wipan.net.au
..
Have you seen our new, mobile-friendly Hepatitis NSW website? Check it out at www.hep.org.au
Love transmission magazine?
You can have Transmission Magazine delivered to you. Sign up as a Hepatitis NSW member at www.hep.org.au or call 1800 803 990 27
n o i t s e u q r e w s n a &
with the
Q “ A“
HEPATITIS INFO, SUPPORT, REFERRAL
My new housemate has told me they have (Aly, 23, Woy Woy) hep C. Am I going to catch it?
”
As hepatitis C is passed on through blood to blood contact, the only risks in a household situation are through sharing personal care items like toothbrushes and razors. There is no risk of transmission through sharing things like toilets, plates, knives, forks, spoons and cups.
”
Being "blood aware" helps to reduce hepatits C transmission in the household. Clean up your blood spills yourself. Have rubber gloves available in case you need to clean up someone else's blood. Wipe up blood spills with a paper towel and wash the area with soapy water. If someone might touch the area with their bare skin, use bleach.
send your questions to us ON 28
sms: 0404 440 103 ph: 1800 803 990 e: info@hep.org.au
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION CALL
HEPATITIS INFO, SUPPORT, REFERRAL
HEPATITIS INFOLINE
1800 803 990 INFO, SUPPORT, REFERRALS
Call 131450 to organise an interpreter service You also can now chat to us live at hep.org.au
the survey HOW TO GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN $50 go to OR
E FILL OUTNTDHYOU SURVEYDAWIN A COUL UCHER $50 VO
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the survey I feel I know more about hep C
2.After reading thisTransmission Magazine, I know more about keeping healthy with hep C
3.
I think this Transmission Magazine is useful to me
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4. Since reading this Transmission Magazine, (tick all that apply) I have called the Hepatitis Infoline I have looked up the Hepatitis NSW
5. How do you think we could make this magazine better?
website at www.hep.org.au I have talked to someone else about my hep C I have made an appointment with my doctor or liver clinic I have made changes to my lifestyle I know how hep C is passed on
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU 6. How old are you? 7. Are you:
male
11. Please describe yourself: (tick as many as you like) Person with hep C Person cured of hep C
female
trans/inter
8. What is your current postcode (or prison name)?
Partner/relative/friend of person with hep C Person with hep B Current prisoner Ex-prisoner
9. Do you speak a language other than English with
GP or Health Care Worker
your family?
Community or youth worker
No, only English
Person who currently injects drugs
Yes, the other language I speak is:
Person who used to inject drugs Worker in NSP sector
10. Are you Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? Yes
No
Worker in AOD or OST sectors Other (please say)
12. If you would like to go in the $50 voucher draw, please give us your name and phone number, email address or prison MIN (optional). This prize offer is for NSW residents only - one draw per person. Phone number: Name: or email address or MIN : 13.Would you like to be sent up-to-date hepatitis news and information? Write your email address here:
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Email address:
Hepatitis NSW respects and upholds your right to privacy protection. In accordance with National Privacy Principles, we have a detailed policy and set of procedures regulating how we collect, use, disclose and hold your personal information. For a copy of the policy, please contact us on 02 9332 1853 or visit our website: www.hep.org.au
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QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE 1. After reading this Transmission Magazine,
UT FILL THISYOOU AND IN A COULD W ER $50 VOUCH
SPECIAL THANKS . . . to the mothers at jacaranda cottages
EDITOR/DESIGNER Heather McCormack EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Tim Baxter Anna Bates Bruce Cherry Jenny Douglas Paul Harvey Peter Middleton Sonam Paljor Kate Pinnock Rebecca Miers Rhea Shortus Andrew Smith
The Mothers and Children’s Program operates out of Jacaranda Cottages at Emu Plains Correctional Centre.
COMIC WRITER Lawrence Gergich
The program enables women in prison to reside with their children on a full time or occasional basis.
COMIC ARTIST Mark Lauthier / Wolfgang Bylsma www.gestaltcomics.com
Hepatitis NSW would like to thank the mothers of Jacaranda Cottages for their creativity in developing this edition of Transmission Magazine, despite the distractions of young children.
ASIDE FROM HEPATITIS NSW EDITORIAL CONTENT, VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS MAGAZINE OR FLYERS ENCLOSED WITH IT ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF HEPATITIS NSW. NEITHER ARE SUCH VIEWS NECESSARILY THOSE OF OUR FUNDING BODIES. TRANSMISSION MAGAZINE DOES NOT PROMOTE OR CONDONE THE USE OF ILLICIT DRUGS. RATHER, IT SEEKS TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP PEOPLE WHO ALREADY INJECT DRUGS TO REDUCE RISKS AND MAKE SAFER CHOICES. NOTHING IN THIS MAGAZINE SHOULD BE TAKEN AS RECOMMENDING DRUG USE.
If you are a youth or health worker and would like to know more about how your clients can contribute to the development of Transmission Magazine call the Hepatitis Infoline on1800 803 990 or email hmccormack@hep.org.au
Hepatitis Infoline 1800 803 990 (freecall) Hepatitis NSW p: 02 9332 1853 f: 02 9332 1730 PO Box 432 Darlinghurst, NSW 1300 info@hep.org.au Level 4, 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills Sydney 2010 www.hep.org.au Hepatitis NSW is proud to acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners and custodians of our lands and waters. ABN 30 408 095 245 A non-profit health promotion charity funded by the NSW Ministry of Health. Accredited by the Quality Improvement Council of Australia (QIC). Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.