日本性感染症学会誌 Journal of Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted sexual education and education on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in schools. However, it also brought about several notable effects. The pandemic heightened awareness of infectious diseases, including STIs, among students and teachers. The widespread transmission of COVID-19 made previously invisible infection-causing pathogens more immediate and tangible to individuals. Furthermore, because COVID-19 could be transmitted through activities such as kissing, it became associated with STIs, facilitating discussions on STIs in school settings.

Additionally, insights gained from research on HIV infection proved valuable. Studies have revealed that a lower viral exposure could help prevent infection. Leveraging these lessons from STIs, effective communication of COVID-19 prevention measures became possible in schools. Moreover, the acceptance of preventive measures in school environments during the COVID-19 pandemic facilitated smoother education on the prevention of STIs compared to the pre-pandemic era.