before pre-ejaculate appears) and consistently for
maximum preventive benefit.
Infants whose mothers have active STDs, par-
ticularly GONORRHEAand CHLAMYDIA, during deliv-
ery are at great risk for blindness. Hospitals
routinely put antibiotic drops in the eyes of all
newborns as a prophylactic measure. Infants born
to HIV-positive mothers are also at risk for acquir-
ing the VIRUSduring birth; prophylactic medica-
tions such as azidothymidine (AZT) can help
thwart infection.
The US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) has a national
STD/HIV hotline available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, for questions and
information: 800-227-8922Prevention efforts focus on education about
STDs and their potential health consequences in
combination with appropriate methods to reduce
the likelihood of infection. The most effective pre-
vention method is abstinence from sexual activity,
or, when sexually active, sex exclusively within a
monogamous relationship. Because some STDs
may be present without symptoms in up to 70
percent of people infected, health experts recom-
mend routine screening for all sexually active
individuals as a preventive measure to help con-
tain the spread of infection.
KEY MEASURES FOR PREVENTING STDS- Use a latex condom for every sexual act.
- Restrict sexual activity to a monogamous relationship.
- Receive regular screening tests for STD infection.
See also CONTRACEPTION; HEALTH RISK FACTORS;
LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH; YOUTH HIGH-RISK BEHAVIOR.
sick building syndrome A set of symptoms that
appear when in a particular building and go away
upon leaving the building. The US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) defines sick building syn-
drome as symptoms that
- include HEADACHE, NAUSEA, itchy eyes and NOSE,
and dry COUGH - doctors cannot diagnose as any specific health
condition- are present only when within the building
Symptoms may affect a few people in a particu-
lar area or numerous people throughout the
building. Because symptoms often are general and
are present only when the person is in the build-
ing, obtaining a diagnosis of illness is challenging.
Sometimes symptoms improve with ANTIHISTAMINE
MEDICATIONSto combat allergic response, though
most people do not want to take medications for
symptoms they can relieve by being in a different
location.
The causes of sick building syndrome are
unclear though scientists believe they may relate
to INDOOR AIR QUALITY, chemicals in the air from
indoor or outdoor sources such as exhaust fumes
or glues, contaminants such as molds or fungi that
cause allergy-like reactions, and inadequate venti-
lation. Increased ventilation (higher turnover of
air volume) and air-filtration systems may
improve indoor air quality sufficiently to mitigate
symptoms for most people. Some individuals may
have heightened sensitivity to airborne sub-
stances.
See also ALLERGIC RHINITIS;BUILDING-RELATED ILL-
NESS; ENVIRONMENTAL CIGARETTE SMOKE; OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH AND SAFETY.substance abuse prevention SUBSTANCE ABUSEis
a complex health and social problem with public
health as well as personal health consequences.
Accordingly, substance abuse prevention efforts
require coordinated efforts that align individuals,
parents, schools, employers, and health-care
providers toward common goals. Though educa-
tion is the cornerstone of substance abuse preven-
tion, it is naive to believe education alone is
sufficient to stop a person from trying or using
TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, drugs, and illicit substances.
Many knowledgeable people have substance
abuse problems.
Parents, teachers, sports figures, and other
adults significantly influence the attitudes and
actions of children. Adults who do not smoke or
use illicit drugs and who use alcohol and medica-
tions appropriately and responsibly help model
attitudes and behaviors that discourage substance
abuse. Focused prevention efforts target underage
smoking and drinking, emphasizing abstainingsubstance abuse prevention 47