With Philadelphia being one of the largest cities in the United States, it is known for many things, but according to new statistics from the CDC, the city could also be known for its high STD rate.
“Its definitely a big problem, especially in our younger generation, because people think oh no this can’t happen to us, then all of a sudden it happens to us and we don’t know what to do,” Julian Davis said.
According to data from the city’s Department of Public Health Philadelphia’s rate of gonorrhea and chlamydia have doubled since last year.
“ People should be getting tested more frequently with all the clinics in Philadelphia, especially college students were more prone to STDS.” said Temple senior Taylor Dalney.
Although there are some curable STDs, other STDs like HIV do not have a cure and can stay with you for life. Mary Smith, a registered nurse with Penn Medicine, who treats numerous patients in the Philadelphia area with HIV.
Smith says “ I’ve had patients as young as 12 years old, and I’ve had patients as old as 70 with HIV. I think a lot of the young people, Now, because we haven’t spoken about HIV as much as we have in the past, I think currently that fear has dwindled because we haven’t spoken about it. “
Some health experts believe the increased number is connected to drug use and poverty, others believe it has to do with a lack of knowledge, so experts are urging the public to do your research, and to stay safe.
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