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ARE YOU AT RISK?

Infectious Disease Program

Have you been exposed to a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

If you use drugs or alcohol while engaging in sexual activities, you are at risk for STD's.  Such diseases are painful and may cause blindness, sterility, birth defects, heart damage, brain or spinal cord damage, or death.  Use of drugs and alcohol impairs your ability to make rational decisions or may cause you to become involved in potentially harmful situations.

What are some kinds of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Chlamydia - Genital Warts (HPV) - Gonorrhea - Hepatitis B (HBV)

Herpes (HSV) - HIV/AIDS - Syphilis - Vaginitis

How are these diseases contracted?

If you engage in sexual activity without the use of a condom, you put yourself at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

What are some signs of a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

An examination by a health care professional can determine the presence of these diseases.  The following symptoms are associated with STDs:

fever - night sweats - unexplained weight loss - diarrhea

swollen lymph glands - itching, a discharge, odor from the vagina or penis

pain or burning during urination

blister or sores in the genital area, rectum or mouth

If you have any of these symptoms, or any other unexplained signs or symptoms, seek medical advice for evaluation and treatment.  Abstain from sexual activities until you have been treated.

Are there other ways to contract HIV/AIDS?

Other ways to contract HIV/AIDS include:

• Use of intravenous drugs (shooting drugs)

• Sharing needles (injecting drugs, tattoos, body piercing)

• Sharing razors, toothbrushes

• Having contact with someone's blood or body fluids

What are some other infectious diseases?

Hepatitis A - Hepatitis C (HCV) - Tuberculosis (TB)

DOs and DON'Ts to prevent the spread of infectious disease:

DO avoid contact with someone's blood or body fluid

DO clean up spilled blood with bleach

DON'T share needles

DON'T have unprotected sex

DO use latex condoms

DO cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

DO wash your hands frequently

All Substance Abuse Services consumers are assessed for their risk factors regarding sexually transmitted and other infectious diseases.  In addition, all Substance Abuse consumers receive HIV/AIDS education.

Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services provides substance abuse consumers, who are at high risk for HIV and/or other sexually transmitted diseases, with early intervention treatment services.  Consumers are referred for education regarding prevention and treatment of substance abuse and infectious diseases.  If an HIV antibody test is indicated, or if a consumer wants an HIV antibody test, pre-test and post-test counseling is provided.  Referrals come to our Agency from Danville Regional Medical Center, the Health Department, and other community services agencies.

For more information contact:

Belinda Combs, Director of Consumer Services

(434) 799-0456, Ext. 3063

e-mail:  bcombs@dpcs.org

Louise L. Cooper, Substance Abuse Case Manager

(434) 799-0456, Ext. 3053

e-mail:  lcooper@dpcs.org

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