SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES ON THE RISE
- Nationwide, reported cases of
chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis have increased for the first time since 2006. - The rate of chlamydia cases nationwide
is up 2.8 percent since 2013. Rates of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis
– the most infectious stages of syphilis – and gonorrhea have both increased
since 2013, by 15.1 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively. - Young people between the ages of 15
and 24 accounted for the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in 2014 and
almost two thirds of all reported cases. - Reported cases of chlamydia in Mesa
County have been decreasing since 2010, but gonorrhea has been on the rise since
2011. - Nearly 40 percent of Mesa County high
school students report having ever had sexual intercourse. - Youth are not likely to be tested and
therefore don’t know they are infected. - Prevention, testing and safe practices
are the best ways to protect yourself against STDs. - Mesa County Health Department
offers STD testing for rapid HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B,
hepatitis C and syphilis. Pap tests include HPV screening, as well. Call
248-6900 to make an appointment. - Western Colorado
AIDS Project offers free walk-in testing for HIV and hepatitis C every
Monday and Thursday from 1 – 5 p.m. Free testing is available by appointment
during regular business hours Monday through Thursday. Call 243-8594 to make an
appointment.
flu vaccinations
- Mesa County Health Department has
given a total of 1,600 flu vaccinations since July of this year and has worked
with 31 businesses to make sure employees are vaccinated. - Mesa County hasn’t had any
hospitalized flu cases this year, but eight people have been hospitalized statewide
due to flu. - Getting the flu vaccination protects
not only yourself, but those around you with immune-compromised conditions. - Symptoms of influenza can include
fever, chills, sweats, headache, fatigue, coughing and body aches. - In addition to the flu vaccination, practice
good handwashing, stay home when sick, and cover your cough and sneezes to stay
healthy. - Flu shots are available at the Mesa
County Health Department by appointment. Call 248-6900 for more information.