Lake County offers screenings for sexually transmitted infections

Valentine's Day is an opportune time to remind residents that tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are available at the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center.

The department's Sexually Transmitted Infections program offers screenings for gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.

"Valentine's Day is a day connected with love," said Sara Zamor, the STI Program's coordinator. "This is an ideal time to get tested and know your status, whether it is for yourself, for your loved ones or for your community as a whole."

The Health Department in particular is stressing a need for more screenings for chlamydia, an STI that frequently has no symptoms. Between 2013 and 2014, the number of chlamydia cases in Lake County increased from 2,624 to 2,731, a 4 percent increase.

The STI program offers an Express Clinic and a standard STI Clinic. The Express Clinic is for people without symptoms who want to check if they are infection free. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted when space is available.

In just 20 minutes, patients receive a urine and blood test to screen for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and HIV. Results take a week. A $30 fee is charged for the screening.

The STI Clinic is for people experiencing symptoms. Walk-ins are accepted from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. Thursdays. The clinic also is open during specific hours Tuesdays and Thursdays providing screenings for gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and yeast, as well as visual examinations for HPV (human papillomavirus) and herpes.

The STI program is at 2400 Belvidere Road, Room 1132, in Waukegan. For details, call (847) 377-8450 or visit health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/Pages/Sexually-Transmitted-InfectionHIV-Prevention. aspx.