STBBI – Description, symptoms and treatment

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that can be transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact (exchange of semen, vaginal fluids, blood or other body fluids). 

A blood-borne infection is transmitted through contact with infected blood.

 

To reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), it is advisable to:

  • Limit your number of sexual and injection drug use partners;
  • Know your sexual or injection drug use partners' medical history (infections or communicable diseases);
  • Inform your sexual partners if you have a sexually transmitted or blood-borne infection and make sure they are being tested and treated;
  • Have safe sex;
  • Never share injection drug use equipment with other partners;
  • Make sure that you have tattoo and body piercing done with sterile equipment;
  • Have regular medical check-ups;
  • Talk to a health care provider about the vaccines available to protect you against certain diseases (hepatitis and human papillomavirus);
  • Contact AIDS New Brunswick for information, support or a disposable needle exchange program.

 

Anyone wishing to talk to a health professional about STBBIs can call:

  • Their family physician;
  • Their nurse practitioner;
  • Tele-Care 811;
  • The New Brunswick HIV/AIDS information line (1-800-561-4009).

 

For more information: