As we enter the last month of the year 2021 and work our way through the end of the “giving season,” many of us have already contemplated how keeping our distance has affected us, our relationships, our friends and families – heck, even our co-workers! After all, right before COVID-19, I had just painted and hung a picture on my office door that said, “Free Hugs.” Wasn’t I disappointed when I couldn’t follow through with my favorite form of giving affection anymore! Before we were all afraid … [Read more...] about Touch is Contagious
STI
Discussing Two Herpes Viruses
There are those who do not believe herpes viruses are still around. Yes! Herpes is around and just as contagious today as it ever was. HSVI & HSVII: The two viruses are not as simplistic as their names suggests. There is a lot of misinformation out there about these two viruses, so let’s explore the facts. All strains of herpes are extremely contagious: saliva, sores and skin-to-skin contact is how they are typically spread. These viruses are known to “shed,” releasing small, trace … [Read more...] about Discussing Two Herpes Viruses
Are People with HIV More at Risk for COVID?
About 40 years ago, a new illness appeared, and because it was spreading like wildfire through the male gay community, it was dubbed the “gay cancer.” As the pandemic took life after life, the medical/scientific communities fought to understand it and how to stop it. After countless hours of research, advocacy, blood, sweat and tears, advances were made in medicine, and today, contracting HIV is no longer a death sentence. Untreated, it is still a potentially life-threatening virus, but thanks … [Read more...] about Are People with HIV More at Risk for COVID?
Tips for Preventing STIs
It is my passion and professional commitment to stop the spread of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and STIs (sexually transmitted infection) in our county and state! Today, I’d like to discuss prevention. Why? Because we need to increase our knowledge to stop the STIs from being shared. Here are some ways we can prevent STIs. Abstinence Abstinence is one way to prevent and stop the spread of HIV/STIs. If abstinence worked as the most solid solution, Arizona would not be No. 2 in the … [Read more...] about Tips for Preventing STIs
Understanding the Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Arizona
Most people in the United States are not aware that Arizona has the distinguished honor of being higher than the national average for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases. These bacterial infections are easily spread and can have no symptoms, which makes them that much easier to spread unknowingly. In 2020, there were 36,983 reported cases of chlamydia, 16,180 reported cases of gonorrhea and 2,671 reported cases of syphilis in the state. Reported is the key word, because often STDs are … [Read more...] about Understanding the Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Arizona
