Traditionally, doctors with Metro Health say they seen an increase in the number of person visiting their clinic for STI testing. Doctors also say they see a slight increase in infection rates.
According to an agency spokesperson, they want the public to know getting tested is key.
“Whenever there is a mass gathering of folks traveling or there are a lot of visitors visiting, or your in a gathering with your friend and in the community in general, If there is drinking involved, then you tend to engage in risky behavior,” said Dr. Anita Kurian, Deputy Director, San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department.
During the Fiesta celebration many will have a few drinks to get into the Fiesta spirit, but after the party some will be heading to San Antonio Metro Health.
“What I can positively say is that after Fiesta, or any other mass gathering, events, we tend to see an uptick in the number of persons visiting our clinic for STI testing,” said Kurian.
Metro Health says after Fiesta, they also see an increase in STI infection rates.
“The selected STI's and most commonly that we encounter are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV,” said Kurian.
Dr. Kurian says while there are increase, the increase can't be blamed on Fiesta.
“We do see a slight increase, which is not sustained, a slight increase which potentially could be attributed (to Fiesta), but there are many other factors that we have to take into consideration, before we see if there is a definite correlation between Fiesta and, uptick in STDs,” said Dr. Kurian.
Avoid drinking alcohol excessively, or using drugs says Dr. Kurian because drinking alcohol or using drugs can increase the chance that you will participate in highly risky behaviors.
Dr. Kurian also says practice safe sex by using a condom every time you have sex, even if your on PREP. If you think you have potentially been exposed due to highly risky behavior, get tested promptly and regularly.
“Our recommendation is if you are sexually active, get tested for STIs at least once every year.”
Ahead of Fiesta, Metro Health hosted a event to commemorate the FDA Awareness Week focused on STI's. The event offered free testing services for Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.
Dr. Kurian says locally and nationally there has been unprecedented increases of STI rates since the pandemic.