Most Americans believe that the Ebola virus is a viable threat. However, sexually transmitted diseases appear to be more problematic at this point in time.
According to new data released by the Center for Disease Control, 110 million Americans have a sexually transmitted disease and 20 million are infected each year. Young people are being infected the most. About 50 percent of new infections are from individuals between the ages of 15-24.
The most common STD is the Human Papillomavirus which accounts for nearly 80 million infections. Over 14 million new cases of HPV occur each year.
Other common STDs include herpes, trichomoniasis, chlamydia and HIV. However, the number of HIV cases are decreasing each year. About 40,000 new cases are reported each year. More than 59 million women and 50 million men are infected with HIV.
This study should bring awareness to the importance of safe sex and STD testing. Sexually active individuals should use a condom during every sexual encounter and have annual STD screenings.
