Universal Precautions

Bloodborne and sexually transmitted disease awareness is very important for Piercers.

Some Piercers who don’t perform genital piercings may consider that this is not something they need to worry about – but you are wrong. Every Piercer breaks the skin – and as such – ALL of your clients should be aware of the risks when/if the body fluids from another person come into contact with ANY fresh piercing.

Whilst as Piercers it is really important to practice Universal Precautions – Everyone has Everything – specific education to those clients with HIV or Hepatitis is important. To do that, you should be educated yourself with regard to these infections.

Your client does not need to be a gay male, or an injecting drug user, before being at risk of contracting these infections via their piercing. ANYONE has the potential to become infected with these viruses – along with many others.

If you are a Piercer with these infections it is even more important that you understand ALL the ways they may be transmitted – and practice your skills responsibly.

I was recently made aware of an increase in the number of new cases in Victoria of people who have BOTH Hep C and HIV. Research is being done to determine why this may be happening.

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