RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- This week is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week, and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is working to shine a light on the often-taboo subject. STI Awareness Week runs from April 13 through April 19, and VDH is providing information about how common STI s are, how they are contracted and treatment options. Statistics from VDH showed that in 2018, one in five people across the U.S. had an STI -- almost 68 million infections total -- and 26 million were new cases. According to the statistics, almost half of new STIs were among youth and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. In the last five years, there has been a rise in STI infections nationwide, with syphilis being diagnosed at levels not reported since 1950. VDH reports that, in Virginia, more cases of chlamydia are diagnosed than cases of the flu. Below are a few common tips that VDH recommends for preventing STIs: Practicing abstinence Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for all STIs Using latex or other barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams There are a variety of testing options in the state of Virginia, like local health departments, non-profit organizations, self-testing and private organizations. For more information on resources available at the Virginia Department of Health, go here. ...read more read less