Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD/HIV )

General Information:

The New York State Health Department reports over 65 million people in the United States have a chronic, incurable sexually transmitted disease.  More than 15 million Americans become newly infected each year. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be spread from person to person through any kind of sexual contact; STDs are classified as communicable diseases.

There are many different STDs (over 30 types), but the most common ones in the United States are herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) type II (genital herpes), Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and genital warts (caused by the Human Papillomavirus – HPV).

Without treatment these diseases can lead to major health problems such as sterility, permanent brain damage, heart disease, cancer, and even death.  Most people who have an STD have NO symptoms!  Millions don’t know they’re infected until serious, and often permanent damage has occurred or until they pass on the infection to someone else.  The more people you have sex with, the greater the chance that you will get an STD.  The best way to prevent STDs is to avoid sexual contact.  If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs annually, even if you feel fine.

Most STDs can be treated.

For more complete information about STDs/HIV, visit:

 http//www.familydoctor.org          http//www.kidshealth.org

 http//www.cdc.gov                                http//www.health.state.ny.us/

Confidential STD testing and Confidential/anonymous HIV testing:

There is free counseling, testing and treatment available for males and females of any age who are residents of Otsego County, for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.  If you have a regular medical provider, call him/her for an appointment.  However, if you do not have a primary care provider and/or do not have health insurance, we can help.

If you have any questions about STDs or HIV, OR need help with getting tested, contact Otsego County Public Health at (607)547-4230.  We respect your need for privacy and ALL calls are strictly confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexually Transmitted Diseases   

 http//www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8799/9154/360344.html?d=dmtContent

Ask A Nurse!                 

Do you have questions about sexually transmitted diseases? HIV? AIDS?  You can now receive a confidential, personal response to your questions from a public health nurse.E-mail us your question and we will respond to you personally. Most questions will be answered within 24 hours (Sunday-Friday) or call 1-800-993-2643.

You can ask questions anonymously and be assured that we will maintain strict confidence.  We will provide you with factual information and if needed, refer you to appropriate service providers, who are also concerned with maintaining your privacy.

Otsego County Health Department

CONFIDENTIAL

STD HIV/AIDS

HOTLINE

We respect your need for privacy and accurate information

ALL calls answered by a registered nurse

1-800-993-2643