The Facts

The truth is we do not know the actual incidence (number of new cases diagnosed) or the prevalence rate (number of students currently infected) of any sexually transmitted disease among students at Salisbury University.  We do know that students at Salisbury University like college students across the country participate in sexual behavior which puts them at risk for infection. We estimate that Salisbury University has the same prevalence of STDs as other college/universities nationwide. Nationally, we know that by age 24, at least one out of every four Americans is infected with an STD and people under the age of 25 account for approximately two-thirds of all new STD infections. Based upon national data, the most common STDs among college-age students are HPV, Herpes Simplex Virus and Chlamydia.

Testing methods are not 100% fool proof, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose with complete certainty the presence of an STD. Many students are treated according to presenting symptoms, but can not be categorized with a certain STD. These students are treated as a "non-specific" or sub-clinical case making it difficult to give exact number of cases seen at SU.

The Bottom Line

Not everyone at Salisbury University has an STD. But anyone can have an STD and you cannot tell just by looking at them. Abstaining from intimate sexual contact and sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, and oral) is the only way to be completely protected from an STD infection. If you have sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral), use a latex condom (male or female) every time and be tested annually or if you have symptoms for an STD by a healthcare provider. Testing is available at Student Health Service for a fee.

This information is brought to you by Salisbury University Student Health Services. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of advice from a physician or other health care provider. If you have questions concerning any health issue, the staff at Student Health Services is here to serve you. Drop by to see us or call 410-543-6262 to make an appointment at your convenience.