ASSUMING you do not have a health condition is seldom a guarantee that you are free from infection, particularly when it comes to sexual health.
Yet a survey by British online pharmacy, Medicine Direct, found close to two-thirds of adults across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland had never been screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The results were revealed as concerns that a drop in the number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, in the UK could be the result of a drop-off in testing due to COVID-19-related restrictions.
With the COVID virus pandemic seemingly taking a festive break, allowing the British to mingle once more this month, Medicine Direct Superintendent Pharmacist, Hussain Abdeh, warned lusty locals to take steps to protect their sexual health.
"While the run-up to Christmas in 2020 is looking markedly unlike previous years, the relaxation of some restrictions will no doubt encourage different groups of people as well as potential partners to reconnect as we head into the festive season," he said.
"It's crucial that if you do choose to meet up with a potential partner that you take the appropriate precautions... we don't want to see a spike in STI rates in the run-up to Christmas following such a lull over previous months as a result of lockdown."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 Dec 20
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