HPV
is short for Human Papilloma Virus. HPV is a common virus that can spread
easily through sexual contact. About 14 million people become infected
annually. It is the second most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK.
HPV
is easily spread. Any genital contact with someone
who has HPV puts you at risk - intercourse isn’t necessary
How does this relate to the health of my
mouth?
HPV
is a high risk factor for cancer of the mouth and throat.
The
HPV type linked to throat cancer (including cancer of the oropharynx) is HPV16.
Oral HPV infection is more common in men than in women and most people have no
symptoms.
This
is why; starting from your teen years, as part of your oral health assessment
your dentist checks all the soft tissues of your mouth.
It’s
a great idea to be vigilant at home too - using a mirror & good light
(smart phone torch!) get used to how your mouth looks. Regularly check your
mouth, throat and underneath your tongue at home weekly. If you spot anything
unusual, even if it is painless - please call us so we can check it for you if
it has not healed in 7 days.
What does the vaccine do?
The
HPV vaccine can prevent many of the cancers caused by the HPV virus.
Not
limited to mouth & throat cancer HPV causes cervical, vaginal and vulvar
cancers in women and penile cancer in men. Anal cancer and genital warts in both
men & women.
Who is it for?
In
the UK, the vaccine programme only provides the HPV vaccine Gardasil to pre-teen
girls (ages 12-13) to provide protection before they become exposed to HPV. At
this age the vaccine is also shown to provide a better immune response compared
to older adolescents.
“Currently, Gardasil is given as a series of two injections
within a 6-24month period. Girls who began their course of HPV vaccination
before September 2014 receive three injections.”
In the USA “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
routine vaccination with GARDASIL for boys and girls ages 11 or 12. The CDC
also recommends vaccination for young women ages 13 through 26 and young men
ages 13 through 21 who have not already been vaccinated. The CDC states that
GARDASIL can be given to young men ages 22 through 26, if they and their doctor
decide it’s right for them.”
If you
are a parent or teenager wanting to know more please visit:
Christina.
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