Spring Break in South Florida is known for sunshine, beaches and nightlife\u2014but for medical providers at Baptist Health Urgent Care, it also marks one of the busiest times of the year.<\/p>\n
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Historically, early April has been one of the busiest times of year for Baptist Health Urgent Care<\/a>, which has 27 urgent care and express care centers from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u2019re spending time here in our Urgent Care center.<\/p>\n Juan Dangond, D.O., medical provider, Baptist Health Urgent Care<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPeople 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\u2019re spending time here in our Urgent Care center.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A Common but Often Silent Problem<\/p>\n STIs remain widespread, particularly among younger adults. Many infections go undetected because they don\u2019t always cause noticeable symptoms right away.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n This year is proving to be \u201cfairly typical,\u201d according to Dr. Dangond. \u201cWe\u2019re not seeing anything significantly new or unusual this year,\u201d he says. \u201cThat said, STIs continue to be prevalent, and many cases are asymptomatic, which reinforces the importance of routine testing and early detection.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Among these, chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common\u2014and among the most treatable when caught early.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Who\u2019s at Risk for STIs?<\/p>\n There\u2019s no single type of patient when it comes to STIs, but patterns do emerge.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMost patients who come in with concerns about a possible STI tend to be between the ages of 18 and 40,\u201d Dr. Dangond explains. \u201cThere isn\u2019t a strong gender difference \u2014 it\u2019s fairly evenly distributed between males and females.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A common thread is increased exposure risk \u2014 often linked to unprotected sex or multiple partners, situations that can become more likely during Spring Break when alcohol and spontaneity play a role.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n STI Symptoms to Watch For<\/p>\n One of the challenges with STIs is that symptoms can be mild \u2014 or completely absent, even. When they do appear, they can easily be mistaken for other conditions.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLeaving 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Juan Dangond, D.O., medical provider, Baptist Health Urgent Care<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Symptoms that should prompt a visit to urgent care include:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Burning with urination \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have any of these symptoms, it\u2019s important to seek prompt evaluation and treatment,\u201d Dr. Dangond advises.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Fast, Convenient Testing and Treatment<\/p>\n One advantage of visiting Baptist Health Urgent Care is the ability to get evaluated and treated quickly \u2014 often in a single visit.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe provide a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed history, physical exam when appropriate, and on-site testing such as urine samples, swabs or bloodwork,\u201d Dr. Dangond says. \u201cIn many cases, we\u2019re able to begin treatment during the same visit based on our clinical evaluation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n HIV testing is also available at all locations, he adds.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Treatments for STIs depend on the type of infection:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are typically treated with antibiotics and can often be cured. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHerpes tends to be more challenging \u2014 not because it\u2019s typically dangerous, but because there is no cure,\u201d Dr. Dangond notes. \u201cHowever, it can be effectively managed with medication.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Why Early Treatment Matters with STIs<\/p>\n Delaying care can lead to serious and sometimes permanent complications.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLeaving an STI untreated can lead to a range of complications,\u201d Dr. Dangond warns. \u201cIn some cases, it can cause long-term issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain or infertility.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Untreated infections can also spread to other parts of the body \u2014 or to other people \u2014 making early diagnosis critical not just for individual health, but for public health as well.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A Simple Message for Spring Breakers<\/p>\n For visitors to South Florida focused on making memories \u2014 not medical visits \u2014 prevention is key.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cKeep it simple. Use protection, be mindful of your decisions, especially in situations involving alcohol, and don\u2019t ignore potential risks,\u201d advises Dr. Dangond. \u201cIf you have any concerns after an encounter, it\u2019s always better to get tested and treated early.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Trusted Care When It Matters Most<\/p>\n If the unexpected does happen, access to fast, reliable care can make all the difference.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOur patients receive timely, high-quality care backed by South Florida\u2019s most trusted healthcare organization,\u201d Dr. Dangond<\/a> says. \u201cWe prioritize accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment and a streamlined experience from start to finish.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n Unusual discharge
\n Pelvic pain
\n Itching, sores or bumps in the genital or oral area
\n Sore throat after high-risk oral exposure<\/p>\n
\n Parasitic infections like trichomonas are also treatable with medication.
\n Viral infections such as herpes are not curable but can be managed effectively with antiviral medications to reduce symptoms and outbreaks.<\/p>\n