Considerations for STI Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is critical to preserve access to sexually transmitted infection care and treatment. Infection-control approaches should be utilized to minimize the risk to patients while maintaining access to important services.

Changes in sexual behavior, PrEP adherence, and access to sexual health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic among a cohort of PrEP-using MSM in the South

“…Our findings underscore the need to maintain STD and HIV prevention efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, as recent calls for action have stressed. 13,14 Finding unique ways to deliver these essential services is needed. Guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other sources offer a host of options to ensure appropriate care during the pandemic, 15,16 including lab-only visits for indicated HIV/STD tests, at-home HIV/STD testing, self-testing for HIV via an oral swab-based test, extending the prescription of PrEP to a 90-day supply to decrease trips to the pharmacy, utilizing telemedicine when possible, and finally referring patients elsewhere if needed services cannot be provided.…”

Syphilis and the COVID-19 pandemic: Did the lockdown stop risky sexual behavior?

“…A positive aspect is that the restrictive measures adopted by the Italian Health Care System have not affected the patients’ assistance for relevant STDs, such as syphilis, as urgent access was efficaciously maintained and care provided exactly as prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concern about patient fear for hospital access 2 or even denial of care seems unfounded in our community. It is likely that only the occasional diagnosis of late latent syphilis, characterized by the absence of clinical signs and symptoms, may have been delayed.…”

“…Lockdown measures might have affected a patient's referral to dermatologic STD centers for laboratory testing and availability of care. 2 , 3 The few available surveys dealing with this topic found a decreased incidence in all STD during the lockdown, 4 , 5 while other reports indicated no significant change. 6 , 7 Even less data are available specifically for syphilis.…”

COVID-19, fear and sexual behaviour: a survey in a tertiary STI clinic in Lisbon

“…COVID-19 lockdowns impose constraints on sexual health services and related medical activities. Our STI clinic favoured telemedicine as advised by specialist societies, 1 illustrating the feasibility of maintaining STI care provision during a state of emergency. Recommendations regarding changes to sexual behaviour were also provided.…”