HIV/AIDS Program
Cotton: Facts and Tips
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Sharing cottons can spread HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
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Spores & bacteria grow in used cottons.
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Don't save used cottons for when you can't score.
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Save a tiny bit of dope instead.
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Use a fresh, clean cotton every time you shoot.
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Cotton fever is probably not caused by cotton fibers. It's more likely caused by bacteria that live in the cotton. Cotton can grow a lot of bacteria, especially after it gets wet. Re-using cottons can put bacteria directly into your blood stream. Cotton fever is uncomfortable, but it's usually not serious.
Symptoms may include:
Symptoms usually show up right after injecting, but may take up to an hour. Taking a second hit will not make them go away. Instead, grab a blanket and let the infection take its course.
If symptoms last longer than 3 to 4 hours, or get worse, go to an emergency room. Don't ignore these symptoms, especially if they last. They can mean that you have a very serious infection or even a blood clot that could kill you.
- Always use a fresh new cotton, a new cooker and a new sterile syringe.
- Before you shoot, wash your hands and the injection site with lots of soap and hot water. Then wipe the site with an alcohol pad.
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Get all the FREE cottons, cookers & alcohol wipes you need at the Needle Exchange.
Downtown Needle Exchange
1511 Second Avenue
(between Pike & Pine in downtown Seattle)
Monday - Friday 1 - 5:30pm,
Saturday 2 - 4 pm
- Exchange used rigs for new, sterile ones.
- Test for HIV, hepatitis & TB.
- Get great advice and helpful hints from our vein care pros.
- Get quality health care from the docs in our Medical Clinic (Monday - Friday, 1:30 - 4:30pm).
There are 7 needle exchange sites in King County. Call 206-205-7837 for hours and more info.
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learn more
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 The Point is the Point!
Exposed points are really dangerous. So are broken-off points. They are hard to see and can easily get lost in clothes, carpets, couches, wherever. Always use a new syringe everytime you inject.
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 What causes an abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of pus which means you have an infection. What causes an abscess? Drug shooters often get abscesses on their arms or legs at injection sites.
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What are the  harms of muscling and skin-popping?
All injectors are at risk for infections related to using needles. Muscling and skin-popping allow germs to "sit" inside muscle and fat tissue or under the skin. These are great places for abscesses and other infections to brew. |
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