Blood-Borne Viruses and Sexual Health

Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect anyone. Some substance use behaviours, such as injecting or sharing equipment, can increase the risk of transmission. Harm reduction is about reducing these risks, protecting your health, and making testing and support easy to access, without judgement.

You do not need to be in treatment, or planning to stop using substances, to access testing or advice.

What are blood-borne viruses?

Blood-borne viruses are infections that can be passed on through blood-to-blood contact. The most common BBVs linked to substance use are:

  • HIV

  • Hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis C

These viruses can be passed on through:

  • Sharing needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment

  • Sharing items that may have blood on them, such as spoons, filters, or straws

  • Unprotected sex

  • Sharing razors or toothbrushes

Many people with BBVs have no symptoms, especially in the early stages, which is why testing is so important.

Reducing the risk of BBVs

Injecting and equipment use

  • Always use new, sterile injecting equipment

  • Never share needles, syringes, spoons, filters, or water

  • Use Needle and Syringe Programme (NSP) services

  • Dispose of used equipment safely

Other routes of use

  • Avoid sharing straws or pipes

  • Look after cuts or sores and keep them covered

Sexual health

  • Use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex

  • Get tested regularly if you have new or multiple partners

  • Be aware that alcohol and drugs can affect judgement and increase risk-taking

HIV

HIV affects the immune system. With early diagnosis and treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and cannot pass the virus on once treatment is effective.

Key points

  • HIV testing is quick and confidential

  • Treatment is highly effective

  • Early diagnosis leads to better health outcomes

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B

  • Can be passed through blood and sexual contact

  • A vaccine is available

  • Some people clear the virus naturally

Hepatitis C

  • Most commonly spread through sharing injecting equipment

  • Often has no symptoms

  • Highly effective treatments are available and can cure Hepatitis C

Testing allows access to treatment and reduces the risk of passing the virus on to others.

Testing and vaccination

Regular testing is one of the most effective harm reduction tools.

Wirral Ways works with local partners to support access to:

  • HIV testing

  • Hepatitis B and C testing

  • Hepatitis B vaccination

  • Sexual health services and STI screening

Testing is confidential and free.

Sexual health and substance use

Substances can affect decision-making and make it harder to practise safer sex.

Harm reduction advice includes:

  • Carry condoms with you

  • Plan ahead if you know you will be drinking or using substances

  • Get regular sexual health check-ups

  • Talk openly with partners where possible

Sexual health support is about wellbeing, not judgement.

If you test positive

Testing positive for a BBV or STI can feel worrying, but support is available.

  • Treatments are effective and improving all the time

  • Support is confidential

  • Wirral Ways can help you understand your results and link you into care

You will not be turned away from support because of a positive test.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers non-judgemental support around BBVs and sexual health, including:

  • Harm reduction advice

  • Signposting to testing and vaccination

  • Support to access treatment

  • NSP services

  • Wider health and wellbeing support

You do not have to stop using substances to access this support.

Get support

If you would like to talk about BBVs, sexual health, or reducing risks, contact Wirral Ways to find out what support is available.

Your health matters, and support is here for you.

Last Updated on 10 February 2026