The HPV Vaccine: A Complete Guide to Protection Against Human Papillomavirus
Did you know that HPV is the most common STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) that mostly affects people in their late or early 20s? This is a dangerous viral infection that spreads mostly through sexual contact with the infected person. But it can spread through non-sexual ways. Its symptoms take years to develop, that’s why it goes unnoticed. But it can cause certain types of cancer and genital warts and there is no cure for the virus itself. But you can prevent this infection by taking its vaccination. But these vaccines are effective if you take doses at a certain age range. So, it is important to know about the HPV vaccine age range, how it works, and its side effects. Log on to http://www.infectiousdiseasedoctor.net/ to get a free consultation.
Learn in detail about the HPV vaccine in this article.
How does it work?
HPV vaccine works similarly to other vaccines by guarding the body against viral infection. HPV vaccines stimulate your body to produce antibodies to fight the virus strain in future encounters with HPV, bind the virus, and prevent it from infecting cells.
The current HPV vaccines are based on virus-like particles (VLPs) which are deactivated virus particles that are not infectious because of the lack of the virus’s DNA. They might resemble the natural virus, that’s why when our immune system interacts with them, it produces antibodies to defend the body. These antibodies defend our body from VLPs as well as natural viruses. These VLPs are strongly immunogenic, which means they can induce elevated levels of antibody production in the body, which makes them quite effective.
However, keep in mind, it cannot protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases, nor can it be used as a treatment to treat existing HPV infections and HPV-caused diseases.
How effective are HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccines?
HPV vaccines are amazingly effective in preventing HPV infections. It has the potential to prevent more than 90% of HPV-attributable cancers.
When it was first introduced in 2006, it caused an 88% drop in young (teen) girls and 81% of young adult women who were at risk of getting HPV types that cause certain types of cancers and genital warts. It also reduced the number of cases of precancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in young women.
The HPV vaccine protection lasts for a long time. People who received the vaccines can be followed up after at least 12 years, but it mostly lasts longer in protecting against HPV with no evidence of losing its effectiveness over time.
Clinical trials also found HPV vaccines are not only effective in preventing cervical infection but other types of HPV in people who get their first exposure to the virus during sexual contact. It also reduces the infections in other tissues that HPV infects which include the anus or oral region. Recently, it has also been confirmed that vaccines reduce the risk of cell changes and cancers caused by HPV that take years to develop.
It is also found in clinical trials that the Gardasil vaccine in men can prevent anal cell changes caused by persistent infection and it is 100% effective in preventing cervical, vulvar, and vaginal infections and precancers caused by all seven cancer-causing HPV types (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) that its targets.
Cervarix and Gardasil can even prevent high-risk HPV types (HPV16 and HPV18) that are responsible for causing most HPV cancers. Women who received the 3 doses of the cervix vaccine develop strong protection against new HPV types 31, 33, and 45.
To sum up, HPV vaccines are very effective in preventing HPV infections.
Benefits
Taking the HPV vaccine is very beneficial because it not only protects you from HPV infection but also protects you from types that can cause certain types of cancers or genital warts. It can also reduce the risk of HPV-related cancer even if you are already exposed to HPV.
Keep in mind, it can only reduce the risk of cancer after your exposure but does not treat the existing HPV infection. So, vaccines can only protect from specific strains of HPV if you are not yet exposed to them already.
Side effects
While vaccines are safe to use, there are side effects that some people can experience after vaccination, including:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the location the shot is given.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Feel tired
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Fever
- Dizziness or fainting
To prevent fainting and injuries from fainting, adolescents should be seated or lying down after getting the vaccination. People who have severe allergies to any component of the vaccine should avoid the vaccine because it can cause life-threatening problems.
Want to learn more about HPV and its vaccine? Call us on 718-DORAL-55 or 13473845690. If you need any information on sexually transmitted infections, log on to http://www.infectiousdiseasedoctor.net/ to get a free consultation. We have the best doctors that can help you and improve your quality of life!