RPSGB warns about catching STD infection in Christmas Time
As the Christmas season reaches its peak, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has launched a campaign warning of the dangers of catching Chlamydia over the next few weeks.
Not only have adverts been created trying to make people more aware of the dangers of an office fling, new research published by the RPSGB has shown that Christmas time is a peak season for catching an STD, as a combination of drink and high spirits encourages people to have unprotected sex and be less careful about their sexual health.
The survey revealed that when it came to Christmas parties, 1 in 6 people drank three times more than they would on a normal night out, 1 in 12 had previously kissed a work colleague at one and 1 in 5 went with the intention of finding a bed partner for the night.
The society estimated that thousands could be exposed to the infection over Christmas, as it is believes high numbers of young people are unaware they are carrying the infection as they have not had an STD test.
Only 15.9% of the most at-risk group for chlamydia, the under-25s, took part in national Chlamydia screening and many were unaware that they could get a free Chlamydia test from their local pharmacy. They can also get an STD test from their local GUM clinic.
While Chlamydia is easy to treat if it is diagnosed after a Chlamydia test, untreated it can cause infertility. While large sums have been spent advertising its dangers and the Chlamydia screening program more people need to have a Chlamydia test each year for it to be brought under control.
The RSPGB is eager for more people to use the free Chlamydia test service available through their local pharmacy, but is concerned that more people are not aware of the service.
Their campaign spokesman, Paul Johnson, said “Community pharmacies are well equipped to deliver this service because they are easily accessible to young people and pharmacists are trusted healthcare professionals.
“Unfortunately chlamydia is one of the UK’s most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and if left untreated it can cause infertility. Although young people have said they would use a pharmacy for screening, the free service is quite new and there are still many who are not aware it exists.”