Human Papillomavirus Infection

happen because of scratching the affected area. They die within 2 days off of a human host.

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION

Human papillomavirus or HPV is a virus that, like other similar diseases, does not always cause symptoms. Some people fight off the infection and it is resolved. It is, however, a virus that is precancerous for cancers of the vulva, cervix, vagina, anus, penis, throat, and mouth. Almost all cervical cancer is because of an HPV infection, particularly with two particular strains of the virus. Other strains cause genital warts and papillomas of the throat.

HPV is the most commonly spread sexually transmitted disease. It is a DNA virus that has more than 170 subtypes. More than 40 types are sexually transmitted with an increased risk incurred by having early sexual intercourse, smoking, poor immune functioning, and having multiple partners. Vaginal and anal sex most easily pass the virus. It can be spread to the baby during childbirth but can’t be spread through toilet seats. It affects only humans and a person can be infected with more than one virus type.

Some HPV infections never yield symptoms and never get cleared from the body. There are numerous HPV infections that do not cause genital warts but cause plantar or common warts. HPV 6 and HPV 11 cause genital warts, while others are precursors to cancer.

Genital warts are very contagious. The warts that cause genital warts are different from the warts that cause common warts. Most HPV infections are cleared without treatment and sometimes without symptoms. It is possible to pass on the disease even without symptoms. Immunity can develop over time but it does not confer immunity to other species. The same warts that cause genital warts can cause laryngeal papillomatosis or laryngeal warts.

HPV vaccines are used to prevent the most common types of HPV infections. They must be given before a child is sexually active and are recommended between 9 and 13 years of life. There are different types of HPV vaccines that protect against certain strains of

the virus. All vaccines prevent the major cancer-causing HPV infections, while others protect against those that also cause genital warts. None of these will help a woman who is already infected with the virus. They are generally paid for in girls but are also approved for use in boys. It is more effective in younger girls.

Getting the vaccine doesn’t mean a woman should stop being screened for cervical cancer. It does not mean that it is not possible to get genital warts. The vaccine is believed to last for the person’s lifetime. Male condoms will be partially protective against an HPV virus infection but not completely. Female condoms are more protective against the virus because they cover more skin.