Tet is a time for family reunions and joy, but it also poses significant health risks, particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tho, Deputy Head of Clinical Department 3 at Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, reports that STI cases typically increase by about 20% after Tet holidays compared to usual times. This highlights the need for better behavior control during festive periods.
Increased STI Cases After Tet
Extended Tet holidays often involve parties, drinking, and social gatherings, leading to behavioral lapses influenced by alcohol. Dr. Tho notes that many patients visiting Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital post-Tet have been involved in excessive social activities, including unprotected sexual encounters.
The Tet holiday is often marked by excessive drinking sessions (Illustration: Hoang Le).
Alcohol not only impairs judgment but also encourages risky sexual behaviors, such as unprotected intercourse or experimenting with new practices. This significantly increases the risk of contracting diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
An illustrative case is Mr. M., aged around 30, who attended a massage parlor after a night of heavy drinking. He engaged in oral sex without protection and developed symptoms of urethritis from gonorrhea just days later, requiring hospitalization.
Effective Prevention Measures for Health Protection
To minimize STI risks during Tet, Dr. Tho recommends the following precautions:
1. Practice Monogamy
- For married individuals, maintaining a monogamous relationship is the best way to protect themselves and their families.
- Singles should be cautious when engaging with new partners, avoiding commercial sex workers.
2. Use Condoms
Condoms are effective in reducing STI transmission, though they don’t offer complete protection. Ensure correct usage every time.
3. Avoid High-Risk Behaviors
Activities like improper use of sex toys, anal sex, or experimenting with new sensations can cause skin and mucous membrane injuries, facilitating bacterial entry.
4. Get Vaccinated
Vaccines are available for common STIs like HPV (causing cervical cancer) and hepatitis B. High-risk individuals should consider daily PREP medication under medical guidance to prevent HIV.
5. Regular Health Check-ups
Regular screenings help detect hidden conditions early, enabling timely treatment and preventing further spread.
Patients being treated at Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital (Photo: Hoang Le).
A patient receiving care at Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital (Photo: Hospital).
Current Causes of Increased STI Cases
According to Dr. Tho, the rise in STI cases isn’t limited to Tet but occurs year-round. Improved treatments and preventive measures for HIV may give some people a false sense of security. Additionally, modern lifestyles and open attitudes toward sex contribute to STI spread. Technology and social media facilitate connections through dating apps, accelerating disease transmission across regions and countries.
Conclusion and Advice
While Tet is a time for joy and family, don’t let the festivities compromise your health. Protect yourself and others by staying vigilant against STI risks. Prevention is always more effective and cost-efficient than treatment.
Take time to learn about health protection measures and share this knowledge with loved ones. Health is our most valuable asset—cherish and take care of it properly!
References:
- Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital
- Ministry of Health’s STI Prevention Guidelines
