With the flu season approaching and the threat of the H1N1 Swine flu a increasing threat, you might want to take extra precautions of you drink or use drugs even socially. You can increase your risk of infection by continuing some of the behaviors that are common in a drug-using social situation.And if you drink to excess, you can lower your body's ability to fight off infection.
In an article, "Drug User Etiquette and H1N1 Swine Flu," About.com Addictions Guide Elizabeth Hartney explains how drug users in social situations can easily increase the risk of transmitting the H1N1 Swine flu and other infections.
"While "passing the joint," sharing a crack pipe or rolled note for cocaine snorting and offering a swig of liquor or water may promote bonding and friendly feelings between drug users, these behaviors increase the risk of transmitting H1N1 or 'Swine Flu,' as well as other infections such as hepatitis and TB," Hartney says.
Hartney goes on to explain how peer pressure to share drugs and the rituals connected to drug use can be difficult to resist for drug users, but may be necessary in order to protect yourself from infection.
Drinking Weakens Body's Response
Moreover, a new study at Mississippi State University and Louisiana State University found that binge drinking weakens the body's ability to fight off infection for at least 24 hours afterwards.
The study, published in BMC Immunology, found that drinking to the point of intoxication inhibits the body's production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, signalling molecules that launch the inflammatory response to infection.
The researchers found that even after alcohol has cleared the system, it's effects on the cytokines linger.
Consequently, if you are still drinking and using drugs socially, you may want to take extra precautions this season to protect yourself from infections.
Related Information::
Photo: Clipart.com