All blood borne viruses, including HIV, can be contracted from needles that are not sterilised properly, if at all. This includes needles used for ear and body piercing, acupuncture, steroid use and tattooing.
It is important to be certain that anything used to pierce your skin has not been used before and is sterile. New tattoo inks and ink pots can also reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Jewellery used for body and ear piercing should not be shared as this can transmit the virus.
