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What is a BBV?
Blood Borne Virus Information
Everything you need to know about Blood Borne Viruses and Transmission
A BBV is a Blood Borne Virus which is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. The 3 main BBV's are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. To see how BBV's are transmitted, take a look below.
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Tattoos & Piercings
Did you know that tattoos and piercings are a route of BBV transmission?
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV can all be transmitted through re-used, unsterile tattoo and piercing equipment.
To reduce the risk:
Book tattoos and piercings with a licensed tattooist/piercer
Ensure that all needles are clean and sterile
Avoid home tattooing and piercing kits if possible (It can be difficult to keep things sterile in a non-sterile environment.)
Unprotected Sex
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV can all be transmitted through unprotected sex (including oral and anal sex). Always use a condom to reduce the risk of BBVs and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Regular BBV and STI testing is also recommended.
Shared Paraphernalia
A lot of people associate BBV's with shared needles but did you know that BBV's are also transmitted though sharing other drug paraphernalia?
BBV's can be transmitted through shared:
Joints and cigarettes, Snorting equipment, Bongs, Needles, Water, spoons and filters, Pipes
Vapes/E-Cigarettes
(You might think it’s okay to share with your friend but if they’re sharing with you then they’re probably sharing with other people too!)
Blood Transfusions
Since September 1991 all blood in the UK has been screened for Blood Borne Viruses. If you had a blood transfusion prior to this date then you could have been exposed to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
If you feel you may have have a blood transfusion prior to September 1991 then please get yourself tested.
Shared Personal Items
Items such as razors, toothbrushes and tweezers could have traces of blood on them which means there is a risk of blood-to-blood contact.
To reduce the risk:
Always use clean, sterile razors and avoid sharing any personal items with other people to reduce the risk of BBV transmission.