A recent research finding indicates that Georgia is one of the top five American states where senior citizens are contracting sexually transmitted diseases. The Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the numbers are at record levels.
What We Know:
- According to a study done by the CDC between 2008 and 2017, cases of gonorrhea among the seniors increased by 68%, while syphilis was up by a whopping 152.6%. An increase of 108.9% was recorded for chlamydia, while cases of HIV rose by 137.6%.
- The rates are quite alarming, and to make it worse, people aged 55 and above are being affected more than other age groups. However, that doesn’t mean the young are any safer. The study shows that youths between the ages of 15 and 24 have reported the highest cases of chlamydia and are experiencing increases in syphilis.
- Gail Bolan, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, said, “There are tools available to prevent every case of congenital syphilis, testing is simple and can help women to protect their babies from syphilis – a preventable disease that can have irreversible consequences.”
The organization that compiled this study urges people to be aware that health issues for seniors extend beyond heart disease and arthritis. They’re urging sexually active seniors to take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
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