The NHS has issued an urgent warning for Brits across the country over an expected surge in STIs throughout the bank holidays.
Sexually-transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be avoided by practising safe sex, the NHS states. NHS sexual health consultant Dr John White, NHS sexual health consultant and medical director at Preventx, said: "Bank holidays give people a chance to have fun.
"For some people this might result in the need to get checked for STIs or access emergency contraception." it comes after last year's May Bank Holiday saw the STI section of the NHS website receive 6,840 visits - a surge of 38 per cent.
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Dr White added: "But with lots of people juggling a busy social calendar over the long weekends, fitting in a trip to the clinic can be difficult.
"For many people the easiest option will be an online service linked to the NHS. At Preventx, we partner with the NHS to provide free, discreet and effective remote STI tests that can be taken at home at a time that suits.
“With many STIs on the rise in the UK, it's really important that everyone who is sexually active tests regularly. Regular testing picks up any infections quickly so that you can be treated, and also helps you to protect partners too. To find out if a free test kit is available in your area, visit www.sh.uk."
NHS doctor Robert Cleary said: "Our Find a sexual health clinic page is designed to help people search for the most appropriate service to meet their health needs.
"The NHS website is available every day of the year for anyone who needs it and provides information and advice in easy-to-understand language on a wide range of conditions. It is accessible for all and easy for people to receive health advice and support from a trustworthy source."
The UK is set to celebrate two consecutive bank holiday weeks due to the King's Coronation. There will also be an additional Spring Bank Holiday on May 28. Data shows that around 311,604 STIs were recorded in England in 2021.
This was a small increase (0.5 per cent) from 2020, and a decrease of 33.2 per cent since 2019. According to the Government data, STIs are most prevalent among young people aged 15 to 24 years, certain Black ethnic groups, and biological men with male sexual partners.
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