The world, at present, is constantly getting threatened by new viruses. Earlier it was the Coronavirus; then came Omicron and other strains of the Covid-19; and now it is the Monkeypox. Amidst this scenario, it is vital to take care of your health, especially sexual health. With Monkeypox suspected to be the new STD, it’s high time we made sure we are sexually healthy.
Common STDs
There already exist hundreds of STDs. The commonest ones are: HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, herpes, HPV, and more.
Every year, millions of men and women get affected by these diseases. Diseases like chlamydia are largely found among age group 18-24.
HIV
Infections of the HIV are found in almost all age groups. The scary thing about HIV is that you can carry the virus for decades without knowing! It silently destroys your immunity until, one fine day, your body becomes too weak to resist opportunistic infections. And then comes the deadly stage: AIDS.
HIV tests
That’s the reason doctors emphasize on testing for HIV. Free HIV testing is available in DC. It would be wise to avail yourselves this opportunity to ensure you are free of infection. All sexually active people should undergo atleast one HIV test in their lifetime, advise doctors.
People who have unprotected sex with new partners must undergo a test every time they have a new partner. It is good to use condoms, as they are believed to provide 95-99 per cent protection against the virus.
Catching HIV early
It’s more of a personal responsibility to be aware and alert of early HIV symptoms and to undergo a test if you have had unprotected sex recently.
One of the earliest symptoms of HIV is skin rash. Well, you can get a rash due to other reasons also. It could be an allergy, food allergy, or some skin disease, or using some skin product that didn’t agree with your skin.
However, if the rash is slightly raised, red, and very itchy, it is HIV rash. People with dark skin may get dark purplish rash. Some people get it all over their body, while some get a mild rash only in one or two areas.
Rash erupts 2-3 weeks after you contract HIV infection.
So, if you have had unprotected sex a couple of weeks ago and you get such a rash, you must immediately consult a doctor and undergo HIV test.
HSV testing
Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV, too, is a common STD. There are two types of this virus: HSV 1 and HSV 2. The first one is also called oral herpes, as it spreads through oral-to-oral contact. It causes cold sores on the mouth. The second one is also called genital herpes, as it causes genital sores.
HIV does not spread through touch, but HSV can. If you touch the sores or blisters of an infected person, you can get infected too.
HSV testing is also available in DC. Hop into your nearest urgent care clinic and undergo both HIV and HSV tests. Other STD tests are also available here.
www.xpresscarenow.com offers free HIV testing in DC. Also undergo HSV testing here. For more information on tests and treatment, please log on to the site.
