Breaking the chain before popping the bubble
Lakes DHB Infectious Disease and Sexual Health Physician Dr Massimo Giola says the lockdown for Covid-19 presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to minimise the transmission of serious sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr Giola says if people have been serious about Alert Levels 4 and 3, they should not have had sex in six weeks with anyone outside their bubble.
“If people get tested for all STIs now; before social (and sexual!) interaction resumes and they pop the bubble open, we have a serious chance of diagnosing and treating STIs before they are passed on. We might not be able to eliminate STIs and HIV, but we have a serious chance of flattening their curves,” he says.
Dr Giola says 56 Dean Street in Soho (United Kingdom) the biggest sexual health clinic in the UK has seen an 80 per cent fall in gonorrhoea cases and requests for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis – antiretroviral drugs taken after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent the acquisition of HIV) under lockdown in London. Now they are calling for everyone to get tested before they resume casual sex, to break the chain of transmission.
Dr Giola encourages the public to contact their GP for an STI check, or to call the sexual health clinic for an appointment if they are uncomfortable about speaking to their GP.
In Taupō individuals can contact 0800Anamata 0800 262 6282.
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Have you picked up your tickets to our 80th anniversary party yet?
Kia ora neighbours, here is the cover of our amazing 80th anniversary special edition! There's just enough time to book your ticket to join editor Jo McCarroll at Hamilton Gardens on November 11. Ticketholders will get this special (RRP $16.20) in their goody bags. Each goody bag is also packed with gardening paraphernalia and a brand new Jack Hobbs-bred Hebe 'The Gardener' plant, released to mark this amazing milestone. Plus you'll also get all-day entry to the Enclosed Gardens, canapes and bubbles
, and spot prizes. We'd love to see you there.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
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