Let’s be honest; most cervical cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted condition. Almost every individual who is sexually active will get human papillomavirus at some time in their life. However, HPV infections will go away on their own; when they won’t, that can give rise to certain types of cancer. Apparently, HPV is one of the most common STDs (Sexually transmitted diseases) out there. Thanks to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine; that is protecting individuals from different cancer-causing HPVs.
Indeed this prevalent HPV vaccine immunization could reduce the impact of cervical cancer and other cancers caused by HPV worldwide. Here we are going to talk more about it; finish reading…
First and foremost,
Difference between HPV and HIV
Wait, what… Are they different? Of course, they are! Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are sexually transmitted medical conditions, but there’s no such medical link between the both. Yet, the manners that put an individual at risk of contracting HIV can also increase the risk of getting HPV.
What is HIV?
HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus, a sexually transmitted virus that attacks and destroys CD4-positive T cells, which are WBCs (white blood cells) that defend the body by searching for infection and fighting it off. Basically, without healthy T cells, our body has little defense against opportunistic infections; thus, if left untreated, HIV can lead to stage 3 HIV, i.e., commonly known as AIDS.
Now,
What is HPV?
HPV: Human Papillomavirus, the most common STI (sexually transmitted infection). Almost 150 related viruses are collectively referred to as HPVs; mostly sexually active people will come in contact at least once with such type of HPVs in their lifetime. A human papillomavirus is a group of viruses that usually do not cause problems in most people, but some types can cause cancer or genital warts. There are almost 100 varieties of human papillomavirus; some cause warts, while some are responsible for different types of cancer.
As aforementioned, there are basically different types of HPVs; but the most common HPV infection is the one that causes skin or mucous membrane growths (warts). Even some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the cervix (vagina).
Other cancers linked to HPV infection are; cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and oropharyngeal (back of the throat). These certain infections are often transmitted among individuals sexually or sometimes through skin-to-skin contact. Here are the common HPVs;
- HPV types 16 and 18: cause 80% of cervical cancer cases.
- HPV types 6 and 11; cause 90% of genital warts cases.
- Another 5 types (31, 33, 45, 52, and 58); can lead to cancer of the cervix, anus, vagina, penis, and throat.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
HPV vaccines intend to protect against the infection caused due to human papillomaviruses. A group of more than 100 related viruses, of which more than 40 are spread through direct sexual contact. In such cases, the HPV vaccine helps protect you against certain types of HPV that can lead to cancer or genital warts.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is given in a series of shots. For people ages 15-45, the HPV vaccine is given in three separate shots; the second shot is given two months right after the first, and the third one is given four months after the second shot. So, in total, it takes six months to get all three HPV vaccine shots. For people ages 9-14, there’s a need for only two shots; where the second shot is given six months after the first one.
- HPV illnesses, genital warts, and cervical precancers (cancer-leading abnormal cells on the cervix) have sunk since the use of the vaccine came into existence.
- Several kinds of cancer are associated with HPV, and only cervical cancer can be detected early on screening. Other cancers caused by human papillomavirus may not be detected until they are more severe. Thus, HPV vaccination prevents infections that cause these cancers.
- You can always visit the doctor to get recommended vaccines for your child; early immunization always works best.
- The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has a good safety record endowed by over 15 years of monitoring and research; it provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection.
Final words
Regardless of whether you have health insurance, you and your family deserve to be healthy and safe. We at St Georges pharmacy offer all types of immunization & vaccination on-site; from HPV to inactivated influenza vaccine, you can book the slots for you and your family anytime. We serve all routine vaccines for children, adults, travelers, and seniors, so get vaccinated and follow the healthy approach today!
