Health Services Update

Half of all sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the United States are in the age group of 15-24 years old. STI are acquired by sexual contact and do not always cause symptoms. Understanding if you are at risk of contracting an STI can help with testing and management of STI. You are at high risk of developing an STI if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse, sexual contact with multiple partners, or have a history of STI. It is recommended that if you fall into this category that you get routine testing for STI, even if you do not have symptoms.

By recognizing some of the common symptoms of an STI which include sores or bumps on the genitals area, painful or burning urination, discharge from the penis, vaginal discharge or bleeding, pain during sex, lower abdominal pain, or fever can help with early detection. Making sure that you get tested will help to avoid complications which include pelvic pain, arthritis, infertility, and certain cancers. 

There are easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting an STI and these include abstaining from sexual intercourse, staying with one uninfected partner, use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly, get vaccinated against STI infections, and don’t drink alcohol excessively or use drugs. Condoms and dental dams are available through the Wellness Center.  

The HPV vaccine is an effective tool to help reduce the risk of cervical cancers by 90%. If you are interested in obtaining this vaccination, there will be an immunization clinic on October 6th offered by Homeland Health.  For information and sign-up please follow this link Homeland Health Immunization Clinic

If you are concerned that you have an STI or fall in the high risk group, you can make an appointment at Health Services at 507-786-3063 for testing. For more information about STI you can visit this webpage Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

Upcoming Immunization Clinics:

• TB Screening and Immunization on Friday, October 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sign-up for an appointment
• Influenza and Covid Booster on Wednesday, October 12 and Thursday, October 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sign-up for an appointment
• Visit our Upcoming Clinics page for more information.

COVID-19 Updates

• New COVID-19 cases, week of 9/18/22-9/25/22: 17
• Need more tests? You can order free at home tests from the Minnesota Department of Health: When you enter your address, you will need to put in your room number  Order Your Free At-Home Rapid Tests / COVID-19 Updates and Information – State of Minnesota (mn.gov)
• Use our COVID-19 reporting form to report symptoms, positive tests, or vaccination/booster updates.
• When to test: If you feel ill with COVID like symptoms, take a COVID test (day 1 – 24 hours post onset of symptoms). If the test is negative, repeat the test 48 hours later (day 3).  If you test negative and are still concerned you may have COVID-19, you may choose to test again 48 hours after the second test (day 5).
• Exposed to COVID-19: Start wearing a mask right away and test five full days (day 5) after the last time you were in close contact with a person with COVID-19. Your last day of contact is day zero. If your test is negative on day 5, repeat another test 24 to 48 hours later (on day 6 or 7) and continue to wear a mask for 10 full days.
• Still have questions about how and when to use a self test? Check out this video from the CDC When to use a self test