What You Should Know About 

TRAVEL  HEALTH

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

 

What are sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse and these include (among others) :

AIDS

Gonorrhoea

Syphilis

Genital warts

Genital Herpes

You cannot get AIDS and STDS from mosquitoes and other biting insects.

 

How do I protect myself from sexually transmitted diseases?

 

Avoid casual sex. You cannot tell if a person is infected simply by looking at him or her.

Prostitutes in most countries around the world are infected with AIDS. There are no such things as "safe" or "virgin" prostitutes.

People with STDs are more likely to become infected with AIDS. They are also more likely to pass the AIDS virus to other people.

Be careful after drinking alcohol. You may not be thinking clearly and are more likely to take risks and end up having sex when you may not have intended to.

Condoms do NOT provide 100% protection against STDs and AIDS.

Oral contraceptive pills for birth control do NOT provide any protection against STDs and AIDS.

AIDS is a fatal disease. There is no cure for AIDS. Secret potions and charms CANNOT protect you from AIDS and STDs.

The best protection against AIDS and all other STDs is to avoid casual sex.

Please also note that:

AIDS and Hepatitis B can be transmitted by unsterile needles and sharp instruments, so avoid undergoing ear piercing, tattooing or acupuncture unless done by a reliable operator who uses sterile or disposable needles.

 

Source: Training and Health Education Department,Ministry of Health