Health experts target social media websites to increase STD awareness

Despite numerous medical advancements that have led to quick, convenient testing and several antibiotic cures, a high number of people are diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) each year. For this reason, some health experts have developed creative ways to engage their communities in conversations about these infections and make people think twice before partaking in high-risk sexual behaviors.

Recently, an article published by the Edmonton Sun reported that health officials from the province have targeted online dating websites as a medium through which they can spread the message about the prevalence of STDs.

"Obviously, the traditional methods of just posters and communications is not reaching the younger audience that we're targeting, who are more into social media," said chief medical officer Dr. Andre Corriveau, quoted by the news source.

He told the newspaper that some young people may have false beliefs that all STDs are curable or that they cannot be reinfected, so they do not use proper protection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 account for nearly half of the more than 19 million new STD infections that are reported each year in the U.S.