The risk increases with early sexual activity, multiple partners or having a partner who has had previous partners.
health
The risk increases with early sexual activity, multiple partners or having a partner who has had previous partners.
do not even realise that they contracted it,” says Dr Moses. The concern is when high-risk HPV infections persist, as these can lead to cancer over time.
Dr Moses explains that HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin intimate contact, most often during vaginal, anal or oral sex.“ Because it doesn’ t require penetration to spread, the use of condoms reduces the risk but does not eliminate it entirely. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of exposure, regardless of gender.”
www. babysandbeyond. co. za
The risk increases with early sexual activity, multiple partners or having a partner who has had previous partners, which is why prevention through vaccination before exposure is so important.
How does the HPV vaccine work?
The HPV vaccine works by training the immune system to recognise and fight off the most dangerous HPV types before exposure occurs.“ Once vaccinated, the body produces antibodies that block the virus from infecting cells in the future,” says Dr Moses.“ Studies indicate that the vaccine works extremely well and has the potential to prevent more than 90 % of cancers caused by HPV.”
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer caused by HPV, with two high‐risk strains( HPV 16 and 18) responsible for about 70 % of cases, but HPV infection is also linked to several other cancers, including throat and mouth( oropharyngeal) cancers, anal cancer, penile cancer, and vaginal and vulvar cancers.
“ The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered between the ages of 9 and 14, before any exposure to the virus. At this age, the immune system responds well, often requiring fewer doses for longterm protection,” says Dr Moses. The vaccination is still beneficial for older teens and young adults so, because earlier vaccination is recommended,
Bestmed offers HPV vaccines as a preventative care benefit for females between the ages of nine to 26 years old.
Since the vaccine was licensed in 2006, more than 500 million doses of HPV vaccines have been administered worldwide. Dr Moses points out that serious side effects are extremely rare, but common mild effects can include soreness or redness at the injection area, low-grade fever, headache or fatigue.
Myths and misconceptions
A big myth about the HPV vaccine is that it somehow encourages teens to have sex earlier.“ There is no link between the HPV vaccination and changes in sexual behaviour,” says Dr Moses. Another misconception is that you don’ t need it if you’ re planning on being monogamous. But, says the doctor:“ The reality is that HPV exposure often happens unknowingly, and protection needs to be in place before exposure occurs.”
Herd immunity kicks in when enough people are vaccinated to slow the virus down.“ This helps protect those who are not vaccinated or who may not develop a strong immune response. With HPV, higher vaccination rates mean less circulation of the virus, fewer infections and, ultimately, fewer HPVrelated cancer cases,” says Dr Moses.
And as for boosters?“ Current evidence shows that the HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection, with strong immunity lasting more than 12 years. Ongoing studies continue to monitor long-term protection, but the data so far is very reassuring.”
Bottom line? The HPV vaccine saves lives. Forget the myths, forget the hesitation – this is about protecting yourself and the people you love. The sooner we act, the fewer cancer cases we’ ll ever have to face. �
27