HPV is virus strains that is spread often by sexual contact or intimate skin-to-skin interaction.
HPV infection cause genital and non-genital warts.
Most HPV infections do not show any symptoms, the body usually will prevent developing any serious harm, but if persistent, sometimes it may lead to cancer.
9 out of 10 of HPV infections go away within 2 years, but High-risk HPV infection may cause cancers of the cervix, anal cancers, mouth and throat cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer, and penile cancer.
HPV vaccine:
1. Prevents most cases of cervical cancer.
2. Prevents some of vaginal and vulvar cancers.
3. Reduces the risk of some anal cancers in men and women.
4. Reduces the risk of some mouth and throat cancers.
5. Reduces the risk of most genital warts in men and women.
But HPV vaccine does not give protection against other sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and chlamydia.
HPV vaccine does not cancel the need for regular cervical screenings such as pap smear tests for females starting from age 21.
Time and dose:
The vaccine works best if taken at young age and before sexual activity begins.
The vaccine is recommended for all girls between ages 9 and 26 years.
boys between ages 9 and 21 years.
The vaccine can still be given after age 26 as it can be beneficial specially with no prior sexual experience.
Doses:
The vaccine is Gardasil or cervarix.
1. Younger than 15 years old: two doses, the second dose given after 6 months.
2. Older than 15 years old: three doses, second dose after one month, third dose after 6 months.
3. Transplant recipients and HIV-infected patients (until age 26): three doses , second doses after 1-2 months, third dose after 6 months.
HPV vaccine is safe to be taken at the same time with other vaccinations.
Missed doses:
The vaccine can be resumed and no need to start again.
The vaccines is not recommended for people who are:
1. Pregnant.
2. Breastfeeding.
3. With severe allergic reaction to a previous dose.
Pre-existing HPV disease:
The vaccine is still recommended as it can protect from other viruses that are not already acquired.
Vaccine side effects:
They are mild. It may cause pain, swelling or redness at the injection site.
It sometimes may cause fainting so it is advised not to stand up for 15 minutes after the injection.
How to prevent spreading HPV virus?
1. Avoid intercourse in case of visible genital warts even when using the condom and treating them first.
2. Use the condom.
3. Take the vaccine.
4. Quit smoking.
