2023-09-20 06:30:00
An increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and particularly HIV. At the end of summer, the findings are alarming. Between the multiplication of partners, the parties where anything goes, and the drugs associated with sex (the chemsex fad and its vasodilator poppers), many have had a field day. And this is not necessarily the prerogative of young people.
At the free information, screening and diagnosis center (Cegidd) of the Fréjus hospital, consultations are increasing in number (867 in 2022). They are always anonymous and free. There is no need for a Vitale card and minors can come without parental authorization and without this being reported to them.
Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia… and an increase in HIV
“There is an increase, and especially this summer. What is increasing are PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) consultations. We already have sixteen more than in 2022 in Fréjus alone even though we haven’t finished the year. Among PrEPs, we can say that there are 95% men and for the rest of the consultations, two thirds men and one third women. In terms of age, there are really all profiles, the youngest is 14 and the oldest, 70″, explained Doctor Isabelle Copin.
Created in 2017, the Cegidd intercommunal hospital center, Toulon branch, was reduced to half-time in 2020 despite the size of the population. The Fréjus center receives patients from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and must take care of the Draguignan area (on Wednesdays) in addition to our entire urban area. In Fréjus, medical secretary Sandrine Saalek welcomes the population on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (on call at 04.94.17.79.61. but also in emergencies without an appointment).
Nurse Nathalie Olivier takes blood samples and brings them to the hospital laboratory for HIV serology, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, etc.
Doctor Isabelle Copin carries out consultations, urine, throat, sometimes anal or urethral samples, depending on practices and symptoms, for the search for gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma, trichomoniasis, etc. The specialist returns the results in person only by appointment. you for sound advice and appropriate support.
Every other Thursday, a sexologist, Alison Giraudon, intervenes.
More and more PrEP
Sexual health education and information on contraceptive methods, provision of male and female condoms, prescription of the morning-following pill if necessary and referral to family planning, prevention and referral of violence, vaccination once morest papillomavirus, hepatitis, etc. are all Cegidd missions in addition to screening and friendly listening in complete confidentiality.
“Our activity is increasing and we should really think regarding full-time work but there is a shortage of doctors and nurses, it’s a reality, observed Doctor Copin. Many people come for screening, for vaccination… But many have really risky behaviors. We follow 67 PrEP in active queue. These are HIV-negative people who have multiple, generally unprotected relationships (swingers, multi-partners, gays, sex workers, injected or snorted drug users) who are regularly prescribed medications active once morest HIV. These are antiretrovirals which aim to reduce the risk of HIV infection. This dual therapy prevents the virus from multiplying and it works very well, 95% effective and it is fairly well tolerated. However, the basic idea is to protect yourself with a condom. If the patient has HIV, I refer them to Doctor Pascal Del Guidice, head of the hospital’s infectious disease department. Let us not forget that triple therapy does not cure AIDS. My message: protect yourself, get tested, get informed!”
The Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region is the second most affected in France by the AIDS epidemic; each year, 7,000 people are still infected with HIV.
Sandrine Saalek, medical secretary, Nathalie Olivier, nurse, Doctor Isabelle Copin, in charge of Cegidd.
1695197226
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