HPV, Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

What is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)? 
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).  There were about 80
million Americans living with HPV infections in 2018, many among people in their
late teens and early 20s. There are approximately 34,800 cases of HPV-associated
cancers are diagnosed yearly in the United States (CDC, 2018). There are many
different strains of HPV. Some types can cause health problems including genital
warts, and multiple cancers such as; Cervical, Vaginal, Vulva, Anal, Penile, Head, and
Neck. The development of these cancers can often take years to develop after initial
exposure, making it is hard to determine when the virus was contracted.  
 How does HPV spread?
Hpv is most commonly spread through unprotected sexual contact, for example
through vaginal,  anal, or oral sex. Many people who have contracted HPV do not
develop any symptoms and therefore spread the disease to others unknowingly.
Most people believe that only females can get infected with the virus this is a
a misconception that is false.  It can also be transmitted by a mother to her
infant by pregnancy, during labor, or while breastfeeding (Rockliffe, et al., 2020).  
Prevention of HP:
The use of condoms, getting tested annually, minimizing the number of sexual partners (multiple partners, increase risk). Receiving the HPV vaccination.
*  The tests used for identifying cervical cancer:
           – Pap smear: identify precancerous and cancerous cells of the cervix.
           – HPV test: identifies HPV infections that lead to cancer
-Signs and Symptoms may include:
      * Vaginal itchiness & Discharge
      * Bleeding  or spotting after sex

      * genital lesions

* warts

– 70-90% of HPV-related infections resolve within 1-2 years in most healthy individuals, screening should begin at age 21, regardless of sexual activity, and be repeated every 3 years.  While screening younger than the age of 21 years may occur for individuals with a weakened immune system (Holder, et al., 2019).

By: NIAID

Recommended Dosing Schedule According to The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Two doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for most persons starting the series before their 15th birthday.

  • The second dose of HPV vaccine should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
  • Adolescents who receive two doses less than 5 months apart will require a third dose of HPV vaccine.

Three doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 through 26 years, and for immunocompromised persons.

  • The recommended three-dose schedule is 0, 1–2, and 6 months.
  • Three doses are recommended for immunocompromised persons (including those with HIV infection) aged 9 through 26 years.

Side Effects may include:

-soreness at the injection site

-mild fever

-diarehea

Credible sites to further your knowledge:

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/in-depth/hpv-vaccine/art-20047292

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv/should-i-get-hpv-vaccine

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-vaccine-fact-sheet

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hpv-vaccine.html

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). HPV Vaccine Recommendations.  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html

Holder, N., Ahmed, N., & amp; Cabral, M. D. (2019). Human Papillomavirus infection in      adolescents. Pediatric Medicine, 2, 46-46.  doi:10.21037/pm.2019.08.01

Rockliffe, L., McBride, E., Heffernan, C., & Forster, A. S. (2020). Factors Affecting Delivery of the HPV Vaccination: A Focus Group Study With NHS School-Aged Vaccination Teams in London. Journal of School Nursing, 36(2), 135–143. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840518792078