Student Health Services available for consultations following new STI guidelines

Following new guidelines that recommend an antibiotic for certain individuals to prevent some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), WVU Student Health Services reminds the campus community that providers are available for STI consultations, in addition to assistance with a wide range of other non-emergency health conditions and preventive care.

The guidelines, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommend taking doxycycline within 72 hours after unprotected sex as prevention against chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis infections. Called doxy PEP – doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis – the recommendation only applies to gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have had an STI in the previous year and are at high risk of repeat infection.

“The providers at Student Health Services will continue to work together with patients to ensure they receive the best healthcare for them according to current guidelines,” Dr. Carmen Burrell, medical director of WVU Student Health Services and Urgent Care, said. “Routine STI testing continues to be recommended along with other preventive strategies and safe sex practices.”

Members of the WVU community who would like to speak with a provider about sexually transmitted infections or other concerns can make an appointment or walk in at Student Health Services. The Student Health Building is located across from the WVU Student Recreation Center and is open during the summer Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For after-hours care, members of the University community are encouraged to visit WVU Medicine Urgent Care located in the Student Health Building and at Suncrest Town Centre. For emergencies, J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital is open 24/7.