Be positive that you're negative for an STI
09 Jan 2023
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Director of Sexual Health Services Dr Darren Russell said increased celebrations could be linked to a reduction in testing for STIs.
“There has never been a better time to get tested for an STI than after Christmas and end-of-year parties,” Dr Russell said.
“Don’t feel uncomfortable, awkward, or embarrassed asking for an STI test with a Queensland Health clinician – it is literally the job of our health professionals and completely confidential.
“Plus, you certainly won’t be the first – or last – person who has walked through our doors asking to be tested.
“If you’re having vaginal, anal, or oral sex, it is recommended that you get checked at least once each year. The sooner you find out if you have an STI, the sooner you can get the care that you need.”
The rate of infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, has climbed nationwide over the past 20 years.
Between 2001 and 2021, the rate of infectious syphilis notifications in Queensland increased over 550 per cent from 3.1 to 20.2 cases per 100,000 people each year.
Queensland Health has observed syphilis notifications increasing in the south-east corner of Queensland, with the highest numbers being in Metro South, Metro North, Gold Coast and Cairns and Hinterland.
Syphilis is known as ‘the great pretender’ as its symptoms can look like many other diseases.
