Latest news with #Chlamydia
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Sex-mad TRNSMT revellers risk catching dangerous STIs like Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia with random festival hook-ups
Health bosses are urging frisky festival goers to wear condoms to avoid TRNSMT'ing anything other than good vibes SEX-MAD TRNSMT revellers are being warned of the increased risk of catching dangerous STIs with random festival hookups. Over 50,000 music fans are expected to descend upon Glasgow Green this weekend for TRNSMT 2025, and as many as a quarter of them could be getting giggy with it in more ways than one. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Sex-mad TRNSMT revellers are being warned of the increased risk of STIs Credit: Roddy Scott 2 As many as a quarter of the 50,000 music fans could be lapping up the sun, songs and SEX Credit: Michael Schofield According to a new survey by Lloyds Pharmacy, 25 per cent of concertgoers have gotten down and dirty at a music festival. And over half of the 500 18 to 40-year-olds surveyed said they'd be up for partaking in concert coitus. But health bosses are urging frisky festival goers to wear condoms to avoid TRNSMT'ing anything other than good vibes. Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor sexual health nurse Emma Ostridge, says: "Lots of people attending music festivals may end up having sex while they're there. For those attending, it's important to be smart and think proactively about protecting yourself and your sexual health." This weekend's TRNSMT is expected to see the mercury skyrocket to highs of 27C, but the event could also be a hotbed for sexually transmitted infections like Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. Emma adds: "A lot of people at festivals may be having intercourse with people they have met there and may not be familiar with the other person's sexual history. When having sex with a new partner, it's always important to take precautions. "Drinking alcohol at events like music festivals can also impair decision making, leading people to make riskier choices than they might usually and could result in condomless sex with unfamiliar partners. "If you're worried about acquiring an STI while attending a festival, the best thing you can do is wear protection. If you're worried about STIs afterwards, you can order an STI testing kit online or contact your local sexual health practice if you begin to present symptoms." The survey also found that almost 60 per cent of respondents think UK music festivals should be doing more to promote safe sex amongst visitors. Meanwhile, two thirds said that they would like easier access to condoms on festival grounds and 71 per cent said they would support music festivals providing free condoms to visitors. TRNSMT reveller swings toilet seat around her head Emma continued: "Wearing a condom is a great way to protect you from unplanned pregnancy and reduce your risk of acquiring many common STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. "While condoms can be a good preventative measure, there are some factors which might make them less effective."
Local France
02-07-2025
- Health
- Local France
France rolls out free at-home test kits for STIs
Cases of sexually transmitted infections in France (known as Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles or IST, in France) have been rising for several years. Public health agency Santé publique France revealed last October that, in 2023, some 55,500 cases of Chlamydia trachomatis were recorded, 23,000 of gonorrhoea, 5,800 of syphilis and 5,500 of HIV. It said the increase was caused by increased circulation of the infections, but also by improved screening, thanks in part to the Mon test IST programme. Advertisement The healthcare scheme, introduced in 2022 in response to a marked increase in cases following the Covid-19 pandemic, allows anyone registered with the French healthcare system to go to a medical testing laboratory and ask for an sexually transmitted infections (STI) test without first going to their GP. No prescription is required and the test is fully reimbursed for anyone aged 26 and under. Tests for over-26s are reimbursed at 60 percent. Now the programme has been enhanced, with free home test kits made available to women aged between 18 and 25. The free home test service will be extended to men in the same age bracket later this year. Why women first, you ask? It's because women are apparently disproportionately affected, and because STIs have debilitating effects on female reproductive health. To order a kit, log on to and complete a short eligibility questionnaire. No bank details are required as the cost of the kit and the test is fully covered. The kit is sent in a plain envelope and delivered to the address of your choice in around seven working days. It comes with clear instructions and a QR code linking to a video tutorial. Patients then take the sample themselves. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. The sample is to be sent to the laboratory in the pre-paid envelope provided. Approximately five working days later, a text message confirms that results are available on the website – along, if necessary, with advice on the next steps for any treatment. Advertisement Florence Thune, Executive Director of HIV charity Sidaction, spoke about this initiative: 'It seems extremely important to be able to take advantage of all screening tools and facilitate access to them. […] It is often difficult, even for older people, to talk to a doctor about STIs. It is important to facilitate access to screening tools.' Cases of chlamydia among women have increased 10 percent in two years. The country is also seeing an increase in cases of gonorrhea.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Critical reason behind unusual sight in Aussie trees: 'Frontline defence'
If you've recently visited a national park in southeast Queensland, you might have spotted some unusual black bands wrapped around certain trees. Far from being a quirky decoration, these bands play a vital role in protecting one of Australia's most iconic and vulnerable animals — the koala. Speaking to Yahoo News, a spokesperson from Queensland's Department of Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation explained the significance of these tree bands at David Fleay Wildlife Park. "[We] put black bands around selected trees to protect the koalas and prevent them from climbing any further," the spokesperson said. "This biosecurity measure is crucial for safeguarding both captive and wild koalas from spreading diseases. It also helps prevent unplanned breeding and injury caused by fighting, which can threaten already fragile populations." Koalas face increasing threats across Australia, including habitat loss, disease, and climate impacts. Protecting the koalas at David Fleay Wildlife Park means ensuring these precious animals stay safe, healthy, and contained — a small but vital piece of the broader effort to conserve koalas wherever they still survive. Park ranger Sarah elaborated further. "These tree guards aren't just about keeping animals in or out," she said. "They're a frontline defence to protect our koalas from wild populations carrying diseases like Chlamydia, which is unfortunately widespread in southeast Queensland. Preventing contact between healthy captive koalas and sick wild ones helps stop the spread of this debilitating illness." The tree guards work by creating a physical barrier that koalas cannot grip or climb across. Typically made from smooth or slippery materials like plastic or metal, the bands are wrapped tightly around the trunk, making it impossible for koalas to gain traction with their claws. Since koalas rely on rough bark and a strong grip to scale trees, the smooth surface of the guard effectively blocks their ascent or descent. This not only prevents captive koalas from climbing out of their enclosures but also stops wild or potentially diseased koalas from climbing in, helping to maintain a healthy, controlled environment. Major change on Aussie roads to combat ongoing crisis Incredible two-year change on Aussie property amid fight for species Plea to Aussie drivers after tiny find on country road With three koalas living in the park as ambassadors for their species, the black bands help ensure these special residents don't wander beyond their safe enclosure or come into contact with unfamiliar or aggressive koalas. "It's also about preventing them from leaving the enclosure and risking injury or stress," Ranger Sarah explained. The use of black bands is a simple but effective tool employed by wildlife parks and councils across Australia, helping to keep climbing animals like possums and koalas safe, contained, and protected. So next time you see these bands on trees, remember they're more than just markings, they're a vital symbol of the ongoing commitment to protect and preserve our beloved koalas for generations to come. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
I jokingly suggested a fungal infection as a baby name to my pregnant sister — and she's using it
An uncle has become the butt of his own joke after his pregnant sister took a list of gag names a little too seriously. It means that one day his niece could Google a fungal infection and find out the hard way that it's also her name. Taking to Reddit, the poster with the username Odd_Age1378 explained the situation. We'll call him Matt. 'The 'ass' smack dab it the middle of it' When his pregnant sister revealed she'd been struggling with finding a name, all Matt wanted to do was help. 'In addition to the $900 wooden crib on her list that I got for her, I gave her a list of (obviously) joke baby names. We have a really close relationship, and it was in line with both our senses of humor,' he explained. 5 An uncle has become the butt of his own joke after his pregnant sister took a list of gag names a little too seriously. Prostock-studio – Both siblings have interests in the medical field. Matt is a biology student, and his sister is a nurse. He wanted to stick to a theme when it came to crafting his list. 'All the names were medications, infections, unpleasant animals. All sound like lovely girls' names out of context. Some of them were a little bit obscure, sure, but I included some obvious ones like 'Viagra' and 'Hernia' for good measure,' he explains. Two weeks later, his sister and her husband landed on a name inspired by his contributions. 'Malassezia. The baby's name is Malassezia,' he bluntly states. (Well, at least it's not the better-known Chlamydia.) 5 'Malassezia. The baby's name is Malassezia,' the uncle said after learning what his sister and her husband named their daughter. kieferpix – I'll save you the Google. According to the University of Adelaide, Malassezia is a form of yeast that naturally lives on human skin. It can contribute to dandruff, atopic eczema, and fungal acne. No wonder Matt has several issues with the name. Firstly, it doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. 'Nearly impossible to pronounce on the first try, the 'ass' smack dab it the middle of it, the first syllable being mal-, literally meaning bad or evil,' he listed. 'This should be illegal' 5 Malassezia is a form of yeast that naturally lives on human skin. IgnatiusHarly – But the part that really makes his skin crawl is the fact that he and his sister are particularly familiar with the fungal infection. They've both had it. 'My sister and I are both genetically predisposed to it,' he explained. 'Her daughter will almost certainly catch it at some time!' Matt pointed all of this out to his sister. He insists she knew this was supposed to be a joke, but really likes the sound of Malassezia. He suspects her husband doesn't know what the word means. 5 Malassezia can contribute to dandruff, atopic eczema, and fungal acne. Parkin – 'She says that it's so obscure that no one will ever think twice about it. Except, you know, when little baby Malassezia turns 14, finds a weird spot on her neck, and goes on her phone to search for what it is…' The comment section praised him for pushing his sister to reconsider. 'Malassezia sounds like a Disney villain,' one commenter pointed out. Another advised: 'I'd also make a point of telling her husband what the name means.' 'This should be illegal,' a third added. 5 'She says that it's so obscure that no one will ever think twice about it. Except, you know, when little baby Malassezia turns 14, finds a weird spot on her neck, and goes on her phone to search for what it is,' the man continued. Jasmin Merdan – At a loss for what to do, Matt has attempted to pitch names that sound similar, such as Mallory, Azalea, or Anastasia. She wouldn't hear any of his suggestions. 'She said that since I'm not one of the parents, I have no business telling her what she can and cannot name her child. That I'm stepping way out of line,' he revealed. 'I think it's pregnancy hormones. She'll regret the decision very soon after her daughter is born.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researcher issues warning about unexpected health risk lurking in coastal waters: 'Prevention is always better than cure'
It's the last thing anyone wants to think about when they're swimming in the ocean, but the contamination of raw sewage in sea waters is becoming what one researcher has called "an increasingly critical issue for public health." A February publication in the journal Microbiology, authored by Jonathan Cox of Aston University, provided an overview of the types and degrees of coastal water contamination from sewage, with a focus on the United Kingdom. Cox explained that several types of pathogenic bacteria are commonly found in such sources. These bacteria — including multiple strains of Vibrio, Chlamydia, E. Coli, Streptococci, and more — pose a "significant" risk to human health and the environment. Ingestion and inhalation of sewage-contaminated water have led to outbreaks of gastroenteritis and bacterial pneumonia. Exposure can also cause skin infections, ear and eye infections, and tonsillitis. As is the case with most public health threats, at-risk populations — much older, much younger, immunocompromised, and pregnant people — can be especially susceptible to serious illness. Aside from these human health concerns, the pathogens can endanger the balance and safety of entire coastal ecosystems. For example, the presence of sewage can cause algal blooms, which in turn can choke out resources like light and oxygen from reaching beneficial native plants and animals. And because shellfish serve as filter feeders — eating up organic matter or smaller organisms found in water — the bacteria can often accumulate within them. In fact, some people have developed severe food poisoning from affected shellfish. In grave cases, food poisoning can be fatal, but there are additional risks. The more this bacteria re-circulates in the food chain and food supply, and the more people are treated for the illness it causes, Cox warns, the more antimicrobial resistance may build, bringing weighty consequences. The World Health Organization estimated that bacterial antimicrobial resistance "was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019." Diarrheal disease, like gastroenteritis, is also a leading cause of mortality in children globally, driven largely by contaminated water and disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income countries. There, access to clean drinking water is often already compromised due to lack of infrastructure, ongoing conflict, drought, and more. Cox explains in the paper that while monitoring efforts and strict discharge standards are in place for sewage treatment plants, they may not be enough. "Storm overflows were intended to release surplus sewage into the sea on rare occasions," he writes, "but despite this intention, some water companies are responsible for up to 200 discharges of raw untreated sewage into our coastal waters each year." How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Further, "during heavy rainfall events, water companies will continue to discharge untreated sewage into the sea," potentially almost as a matter of course when systems are overwhelmed. In a world where heat-trapping pollution sends global temperatures higher and higher, exacerbating extreme weather events like rainstorms and floods, contamination risks for coastal waters seem likely to increase. Many coastal communities are already geographically and infrastructurally vulnerable to storm surges and floods as sea levels rise, so they may face compounding problems. Researchers are developing new water treatment technologies, such as ultraviolet disinfection and phage applications, but many of these are currently too expensive to implement at scale. Sewage contamination isn't exactly the flashiest cause to root for — making some noise about it could improve investment in R&D so that one day these innovations might work where they're needed most. In the meantime, if you're swimming, surfing, paddling, or otherwise recreating in public waters, it's best to be cautious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you'll want to do your research, observe the actual water quality on site, never drink unclean water, avoid swimming if you're sick or have an open wound, and make sure to shower before and after your swim. "Whilst we're waiting for the improved management, innovation and investment that is required to solve the issue and save our seaside, don't bury your head in the sand regarding water quality," warns Cox. "Check before you swim. Afterall, prevention is always better than cure." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
