English

This article explores how herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), commonly known as oral herpes, can be transmitted through kissing even in the absence of visible symptoms such as cold sores. The virus sheds asymptomatically from the skin, meaning it can spread silently and infect others without warning. It dispels common misconceptions that herpes only spreads through sexual intercourse or visible sores, emphasizing the high prevalence of HSV-1 and its ability to cause both oral and genital infections.

The article presents an analysis of recent trends in sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates in the United States, highlighting a mixed public health landscape. According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 2024, overall STD rates among U.S. adults, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, have declined for consecutive years. This reduction is partly attributed to behavioral changes among young people and increased use of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, which has helped curb adult syphilis cases.

This article examines the ongoing challenge of rising HIV infections in the United States and its implications for ending the epidemic. Despite over 40 years of scientific and medical advancements—including widespread access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), single-pill regimens, long-acting injectables, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—new HIV infections remain disproportionately high among Black and Latine communities.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP), an antibiotic used to reduce the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis following condomless sex. It explains how Doxy-PEP works, the correct dosage and timing (200 mg within 24–72 hours after exposure), and who should or should not take it, including guidance for pregnant individuals. The article discusses potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and considerations regarding antibiotic resistance.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of hepatitis B (HBV) and its relationship to liver cancer and other potential health risks. Hepatitis B is a viral infection transmitted through infected blood and bodily fluids, which can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver cancer. The article emphasizes that HBV can be asymptomatic, making screening critical for early detection and prevention.

This long-term population study examines the real-world effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in preventing HPV infections among adolescent and young adult women, including those who remained unvaccinated. Conducted in Cincinnati from 2006 to 2023 and involving 2,335 participants aged 13–26, the research evaluated the impact of the 2-, 4-, and 9-valent HPV vaccines as community vaccination rates rose from 0% to 82% over 17 years.

This study describes the development and implementation of a comprehensive HIV co-testing initiative across Intermountain Health’s urgent care clinics and emergency departments. The program was designed to standardize HIV screening for patients undergoing evaluation for sexually transmitted infections, addressing historically low HIV testing rates in Utah. Key components included clinician and patient education, electronic health record alerts prompting HIV test orders when appropriate, and a structured link-to-care system to ensure rapid follow-up for newly diagnosed individuals.

This webpage presents resources for safer spaces in schools for LGBTQ+ young people. It explains that LGBTQ students are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their straight and cisgender peers, and bullying is often a huge factor in this.

This website explains how The Trevor Project offers several educational and supportive resources for LGBTQ+ young people experiencing homelessness.

Recent weeks have seen a handful of new Tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in states including Maine, North Carolina and California. While TB is rare in the U.S., even a single active case warrants attention. This article provides an overview of what TB is & how it spreads. TB is caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that typically attacks the lungs, forming lesions called “tubercles,” and can destroy lung tissue — severe disease can lead to respiratory failure.