Each year, at the start of the summer holidays, the Ministry of Health and Social Security takes action to raise public awareness, particularly among young adults, of the need to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
According to a report recently published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), epidemics of HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs account for 2.5 million deaths every year. Over the last four months, a significant increase in syphilis cases has been recorded in Luxembourg.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry is reminding people that it is essential to be particularly vigilant about the risk of contracting an STI, especially at festive events where people are likely to meet many new people.
Reminder of good practice in sexual health
The best way to protect yourself is to use a condom during sexual intercourse if you don't know your partner's infection status, but there are other simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
- Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis A and B.
- Smallpox vaccination (prevention of Mpox) for men who have sex with men.
- Get tested for STIs and HIV regularly if you have multiple partners.
- Get tested for STIs and HIV if you want to stop using condoms with a regular partner.
- Take and complete treatments prescribed by your doctor.
- Inform your partner(s) so that they can also be tested and treated if necessary.
- Do not share needles or sniffing equipment.
Post-exposure prophylaxis can be administered to prevent infection in the event of sexual intercourse where there is a risk of HIV transmission. To be effective, it must be administered within 48 hours.
In addition, it is recommended to undergo screening at the earliest after 2-3 weeks and again 6 weeks after exposure following high-risk sex (if there are no visible symptoms). In fact, it takes at least 2 to 3 weeks, and sometimes 6 weeks, after exposure to the risk before tests can detect a possible infection or confirm that you are negative. During this waiting period, it is crucial to use a condom during sexual relations to avoid transmitting any STI.
If you notice any signs suggesting an STI (itching, burning, redness, etc.), it is recommended that you get tested immediately, as some complications can be avoided if the infection is treated quickly.
Where to get tested?
STI screening can be carried out by making an appointment with your GP or any other doctor, or by visiting the HIV-Berodung service of the Luxembourg Red Cross, the Family Planning service, the Jugend- an Drogenhëllef or the Abrigado. A free, anonymous, no-prescription screening consultation is also available from the CHL Infectious Diseases Department, where a blood test and/or rapid test can be prescribed.
For more information:
- sante.lu (accès au guide des IST)
- Safersex.lu
- The mobile service of DIMPS
Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security