Spring Break in South Florida is known for sunshine, beaches and nightlife—but for medical providers at Baptist Health Urgent Care, it also marks one of the busiest times of the year.
Historically, early April has been one of the busiest times of year for Baptist Health Urgent Care, which has 27 urgent care and express care centers from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach.
While many urgent care patients seek care for things like sunburns, injuries, jellyfish stings or dehydration, another concern crops up during Spring Break and throughout the year: sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
People come to South Florida to have a good time. However, some of them may have too good a time. And instead of spending time at the beach with their friends, they’re spending time here in our Urgent Care center.
Juan Dangond, D.O., medical provider, Baptist Health Urgent Care
Spring Breakers likely account for a good part of the increase in patient visits this time of year, observes Juan Dangond, D.O., a provider for Baptist Health Urgent Care.
“People come to South Florida to have a good time. However, some of them may have too good a time. And instead of spending time at the beach with their friends, they’re spending time here in our Urgent Care center.”
A Common but Often Silent Problem
STIs remain widespread, particularly among younger adults. Many infections go undetected because they don’t always cause noticeable symptoms right away.
This year is proving to be “fairly typical,” according to Dr. Dangond. “We’re not seeing anything significantly new or unusual this year,” he says. “That said, STIs continue to be prevalent, and many cases are asymptomatic, which reinforces the importance of routine testing and early detection.”
At Baptist Health Urgent Care centers, providers frequently diagnose and treat infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis and trichomonas, along with certain forms of hepatitis.
Among these, chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common—and among the most treatable when caught early.
Who’s at Risk for STIs?
There’s no single type of patient when it comes to STIs, but patterns do emerge.
“Most patients who come in with concerns about a possible STI tend to be between the ages of 18 and 40,” Dr. Dangond explains. “There isn’t a strong gender difference — it’s fairly evenly distributed between males and females.”
A common thread is increased exposure risk — often linked to unprotected sex or multiple partners, situations that can become more likely during Spring Break when alcohol and spontaneity play a role.
STI Symptoms to Watch For
One of the challenges with STIs is that symptoms can be mild — or completely absent, even. When they do appear, they can easily be mistaken for other conditions.
“Leaving an STI untreated can lead to a range of complications. In some cases, it can cause long-term issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain or infertility.”
Juan Dangond, D.O., medical provider, Baptist Health Urgent Care
Symptoms that should prompt a visit to urgent care include:
Burning with urination
Unusual discharge
Pelvic pain
Itching, sores or bumps in the genital or oral area
Sore throat after high-risk oral exposure
“If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt evaluation and treatment,” Dr. Dangond advises.
Fast, Convenient Testing and Treatment
One advantage of visiting Baptist Health Urgent Care is the ability to get evaluated and treated quickly — often in a single visit.
“We provide a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed history, physical exam when appropriate, and on-site testing such as urine samples, swabs or bloodwork,” Dr. Dangond says. “In many cases, we’re able to begin treatment during the same visit based on our clinical evaluation.”
HIV testing is also available at all locations, he adds.
Treatments for STIs depend on the type of infection:
Bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are typically treated with antibiotics and can often be cured.
Parasitic infections like trichomonas are also treatable with medication.
Viral infections such as herpes are not curable but can be managed effectively with antiviral medications to reduce symptoms and outbreaks.
“Herpes tends to be more challenging — not because it’s typically dangerous, but because there is no cure,” Dr. Dangond notes. “However, it can be effectively managed with medication.”
Why Early Treatment Matters with STIs
Delaying care can lead to serious and sometimes permanent complications.
“Leaving an STI untreated can lead to a range of complications,” Dr. Dangond warns. “In some cases, it can cause long-term issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain or infertility.”
Untreated infections can also spread to other parts of the body — or to other people — making early diagnosis critical not just for individual health, but for public health as well.
A Simple Message for Spring Breakers
For visitors to South Florida focused on making memories — not medical visits — prevention is key.
“Keep it simple. Use protection, be mindful of your decisions, especially in situations involving alcohol, and don’t ignore potential risks,” advises Dr. Dangond. “If you have any concerns after an encounter, it’s always better to get tested and treated early.”
Trusted Care When It Matters Most
If the unexpected does happen, access to fast, reliable care can make all the difference.
“Our patients receive timely, high-quality care backed by South Florida’s most trusted healthcare organization,” Dr. Dangond says. “We prioritize accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment and a streamlined experience from start to finish.”
Click here for more information about services available at Baptist Health Urgent Care.