‘fever and rash’ GP warning amid rise in medieval infections

New figures from the UK’s Health Safety Agency have revealed that cases of gonorrhea and syphilis are at an all-time high across the UK. With summer on the horizon, the lack of proper education about these common STIs could lead to even more cases, a doctor has warned.

Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, shared his experience of these two STIs, revealing the symptoms to look out for.

GONORRHEA

Dr Grant said: “After chlamydia, gonorrhea (also known as ‘clap’) is the second most commonly transmitted STI in the UK. Therefore, it is vital to understand the symptoms of the infection and how to receive treatment.

“This STI can be spread in a number of ways, including unsafe sex, sharing sex toys, or genitals coming into contact with the genital area of ​​an infected person. It is important to note that this infection cannot be spread through casual contact such as kissing or sharing a towel.

“For men, symptoms of gonorrhea include a burning sensation when urinating, inflamed foreskin and white, yellow or green discharge from the penis. In addition, women suffering from the infection will experience symptoms such as heavier periods, thick, green or yellow vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, and a similar burning sensation when urinating.

“If you think you have gonorrhea, it’s essential to get tested. A gonorrhea test kit requires you to submit a urine sample for further evaluation, results are available 72 hours after the sample is posted, and results are delivered electronically.”

pox

Dr Grant said: “Although syphilis may be less common than gonorrhea, the rise in cases suggests a lack of STI education. This infection has several stages, with symptoms varying throughout, however, in general, these symptoms are largely the same for both men and women.

“In the primary stage, sores appear around the area where the infection entered the body, this could be the mouth, anus or genitals. Interestingly, while the sores will heal on their own, the infection will remain in the body, underscoring the importance of seeking testing and treatment.

“In the secondary stage, a rough red or reddish-brown rash will appear on the palms and soles, while other rashes may appear all over the body. Other common symptoms experienced in the secondary stage of syphilis include fever, irregular hair loss, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

“With syphilis, there can also be a latent stage. This can be difficult to identify as there are no visible symptoms. Despite this, the infection attacks the body’s organs, causing damage over a long period of time. This is why I recommend seeking urgent medical attention to eliminate the infection in its primary or secondary stages.

“Overall, as cases of gonorrhea and syphilis are increasing rapidly in the UK, understanding the telltale signs of these common STIs can ensure people get the right treatment and avoid further illness or damage to their health.”

Syphilis dates back to the Middle Ages and it is believed that it was brought to Spain by men who sailed with Christopher Columbus in 1492, took root in America and spread from there, with a serious epidemic in Naples beginning as early as 1495.

Dr Grant qualified as a GP in Bristol in 1985. He has extensive clinical experience as a general practitioner. He has a special interest in orthopedic medicine. Don is the Senior Clinician at The Independent Pharmacy.