STI and BBV treatment and management in urgent care and emergency departments

Urgent Care clinics and emergency departments are critical points for detection of HIV, blood-borne viruses (BBVs), and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as these locations are often visited by those considered a priority population as well as those with limited access to primary care. Therefore, it is crucial that healthcare workers in these settings are confident and informed on STI and BBV treatment and management.  

Syphilis is preventable, and if found early, is easy to treat. However, syphilis frequently goes undetected due to the infection’s ability to ‘imitate’ other conditions, and the fact that it often presents as asymptomatic.  This makes it especially important to test for syphilis opportunistically, which urgent care and emergency clinicians are uniquely positioned to do. When left untreated syphilis can have devastating consequences. From 2016 to 2024 there were 33 infant deaths that were attributed to congenital syphilis. 

As the 2030 goal of eliminating HIV transmission is fast approaching, HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) remains crucial in reaching this target.  HIV PEP prevents a person from acquiring HIV after a potential exposure – however it must be started within 72 hours of the potential exposure. Given the rapid response required, emergency clinicians should ensure they are prepared to offer the treatment when, and if, it’s required. 

ASHM is hosting syphilis and HIV PEP and Emergency Contraception courses tailored specifically for Urgent Care clinic and emergency department workers this March. To find out more about these upcoming courses, see below.