By Jose Rodriguez/reporter

Knowing STI status protects from transmitting

HIV/AIDS continues to be a problem throughout America as one in every eight people are walking around with the virus but are unaware of it. That’s why NE Campus health services offers a free service that provides HIV/AIDS testing to students.

Know Your STI Status, a seminar hosted by health services March 20, aimed to help students gain more of an understanding of the dangers of sexually transmitted infections/diseases and of the campus’ testing program.

Susan Alvarado, a nurse for NE health services, opened the seminar with some information about STIs and how sneaky they can be:

• Diseases like herpes and HPV can be transferred unknowingly through mouth contact, such as kissing and sharing food or drinks.

• Some STIs, including chlamydia and syphilis, won’t show any signs until a few weeks after sexual contact.

• Married couples can be at risk for HIV/AIDS because diseases can stay dormant for years and show no symptoms.

Alvarado said students should be tested for any form of STIs if they have any suspicions of having one. Both partners should be tested to receive the most honest results.

During a Q&A, an audience member stepped up and asked, “Even though I don’t have to worry about having children, should I still use protection?”

Alvarado explained that even though someone may not have to worry about accidental pregnancies, wearing protection is one of the best ways to protect against an STI. Older populations have seen an increase in transmission rates because they ignore the fact that protection is still useful, she said.

Only a few STIs can be cured with medicine, she said, while the rest can only be tamed and controlled with the use of prophylactics. But as long as people take the proper precautions, their lives will not be as affected.

Alvarado said health services will conduct free, confidential testing at Spring Fest on April 11 in its office in NSTU 1704A.

Alvarado let those who may be weary or afraid to be tested know that there is no judgment to be had.

“Get over being embarrassed, and take charge,” she said.