SEX BUG RISK FOR LOCKDOWN BRITS
STI surge feared in post-covid bonking boom
RANDY Brits making up for lost time after lockdown are likely to cause a spike in sexually transmitted infections, warn experts.
The rise in sex diseases in the past decade stopped in 2020 as Brits isolated.
There were 32% fewer cases reported, with 317,901 positive diagnoses.
But with social restrictions lifted and a summer of more partying, drinking and casual sex, the numbers may rocket.
A specialist doctor said: “People are going to be connecting as we come out of the pandemic.
“People will be making up for what they feel is lost time. That will drive STI rates higher.” The highest rates of sexual transmitted illness is among 20- to 34-yearolds, with chlamydia accounting for more than half of cases.
Public Health England advises regular testing for anybody engaging in“condomless” sex with new or casual partners.
PHE’S head of sexually transmitted infections section, Dr Katy Sinka, said: “No one wants to swap social distancing for an STI, and as we enjoy the fact that national Covid-19 restrictions have lifted, it is important that we continue to look after our sexual health and wellbeing.
“If you’re having sex with new or casual partners, use a condom and get tested.
“STIS can pose serious consequences to your own health and that of your current or future sexual partners.” Councils, which provide sexual welfare services as part of public health responsibilities, fear the impact on staff as services are stretched by demand. David Fothergill, of the Local Government Association, said: “We expect a surge as life returns to normal.”
He said councils were seeking “new and innovative ways” to deal with the increase, including home-testing kits, online consultations and redeployment of staff for urgent cases in high-risk groups.
Mr Fothergill said the pandemic had led to sufferers not turning up at clinics.
He added: “The decline last year suggests some who were infected might not have sought advice during lockdown.”