The Human Papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, which is why there are numerous awareness campaigns to prevent infections. The use of a condom is suggested to reduce exposure to the virus; However, it is not 100% effective, since sexual contacts called “skin against skin” promote contagion, that is, without necessarily involving fluids. Another prevention alternative is the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for specific ages.
We tell you who and from what age should get the HPV vaccine.
The importance of vaccination to prevent HPV
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According to the Pan American Health Organization, it is estimated that close to 90% of the population will contract it at some point in their lives, an aspect that is largely due to the speed of transmission and the silence of its symptoms.
This infection is made up of 200 different types of viruses, of which only 13 are considered high risk, explains the International Agency for Cancer Research, due to their relationship with the development of lesions that progress to cervical cancer.
Data from the World Health Organization explain that HPV is generally asymptomatic and it is unlikely that a person with the active virus will realize that they have it, except in cases where physical signs such as genital warts are present.
Most immune systems are capable of eliminating the virus on their own without causing any significant discomfort, because if it does not evolve into precancerous lesions, cervical cancer, or rarely into another type of cancer, it does not represent a real danger to health.
However, this does not mean that it does not require constant attention in periodic check-ups, nor that the importance of prevention should be downplayed, since in some way it also implies “collective care”, by avoiding infecting sexual partners due to ignorance.
How the Human Papillomavirus vaccine works
In addition to condoms, the HPV vaccine is the most effective preventive method. Information from the Mayo Clinic mentions that the HPV vaccine is capable of preventing the spread of the infection, considerably reducing the risk of developing cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer. Likewise, it reduces the chances of developing genital warts in men and women.
The way the HPV vaccine works is to stimulate the body to produce effective antibodies against the infection. Thus, if the body becomes exposed, the spread is prevented, explains the National Cancer Institute.
Gardasil-9 is the best-known HPV vaccine, which is responsible for providing protection against different types of the virus, concentrating on those considered high risk. It is important to keep in mind that no HPV vaccine is effective for other types of STDs, nor does it have an impact on organisms where some type of Human Papillomavirus has already developed.
From what age is it recommended to apply the HPV vaccine?
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The United States Department of Health and Human Services states that the general recommendation on the age indicated to apply the HPV vaccine is 12 to 14 years old, although it is also feasible to provide it to girls and boys from 9 years old. years. These age ranges consider stages prior to the beginning of sexual life typical of the awakening that these ages go through.
The Washington State Department of Health clarifies that the HPV vaccine offers an estimated protection of 8 to 10 years without losing its functionality as a result of time, as long as the vaccination schedule has been completed correctly.
According to MedlinePlus, when applied in childhood, a dose and its respective booster are required. While those who resort to the HPV vaccine after the age of 15 will require a three-dose schedule distributed over a period of six months.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people ages 26 and older consult their doctor before deciding to get the HPV vaccine so they are properly informed about its effectiveness. Additionally, they reiterate the need for periodic screening tests to be carried out.
Read more:
What are the symptoms of Human Papillomavirus?
How often should you go to see your gynecologist?
How many types of human papillomavirus are there?
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2023-12-18 05:16:08
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