One of the largest problems surrounding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is that some people are unaware that they are even infected with one, which leads them to unintentionally spread their condition to a partner. Recently, Florida news source, The Tampa Tribune, followed a group of healthcare workers whose job it was to inform people that they have an STD, in an effort to reduce infection rates.
According to the news provider, this team of individuals, along with helping people receive treatment before an STD has gotten out of hand, save their community about $1 million a year in future healthcare costs.
“It’s the best feeling in the world that someone out there cares about my situation,” said a woman who was informed of her STD status, quoted by the Tribune. “My health is important. If my health is on the line, I want to know.”
Avert.org states that of the more than one million people in the U.S. living with HIV/AIDS, one fifth are unaware that they have the condition. These individuals may be unintentionally spreading their disease, which highlights the need to make people aware of the importance of getting regularly tested for STDs.
Tags: HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, STDs
