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What is Human Papillomavirus?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI. About 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. There are over 200 types of HPV, the majority being what we call ālow-riskā and can cause mild infections (like genital warts). Some types of HPV are considered āhigh-riskā because they can cause cancer in people who are infected. HPV cancers occur in the mouth/throat, cervix, anus, vulva, penis, and vagina. Only cervical cancer is routinely screened for by Pap tests (also called Pap smears). Although there is no cure for HPV, there is a
safe and effective vaccine available that prevents >90% of cancers and 99% of genital warts caused by HPV.ā
How it Spreads
You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if they donāt have signs or symptoms. HPV can also be spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact.ā
Signs and Symptoms
Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and the infection will go away on its own. When HPV infections donāt go away on their own, they might lead to genital warts, precancerous cells, or cancer.
Testing
There is no routine test to find out a personās āHPV status.ā Starting at age 21, people with a cervix should be screened with a Pap Test (also called a Pap smear) to look for abnormal cells, pre-cancerous cells, or cancer of the cervix. Starting at age 25, people with a cervix may get an HPV test, a Pap test, or both. No other HPV-related cancers (mouth/throat, vulva, vagina) are routinely screened for.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all children get vaccinated for HPV at ages 11 or 12 years, but vaccination can be started at age 9 as the vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. Catch-up vaccination is recommended up to age 26 years. HPV vaccine is also available for adults ages 27ā45 years. If you havenāt been vaccinated for HPV you should talk to your health care provider to see if vaccination is right for you.
How the Vaccine is Given
For those getting their first dose before age 15 years, only two doses of the vaccine are requiredāone shot followed by a second shot 6ā12 months later. For those age 15 and older, a full three-dose series is neededāthree shots given over 6 months.
Possible Side Effects
Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects.
Common side effects from HPV shots are mild and get better within a day or two. These include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
- Fever
- Dizziness or fainting (fainting after any vaccine, including HPV vaccine, is more common among adolescents than others)
- Nausea
- Headache or feeling tired
- Muscle or joint pain
Not getting HPV vaccine leaves people at risk for HPV infections like genital warts, and HPV cancers and precancers (the abnormal cells that can lead to cancer).
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People who develop a cancer caused by HPV may require treatments that can sometimes limit their ability to have children, such as needing a hysterectomy (for people with a cervix), chemotherapy, or radiation.
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Treatment for cervical precancer could also put people at risk for problems with their cervix, which can sometimes make it difficult to carry a pregnancy to term and/or cause premature delivery.
Resources
Health Care Providers
Here is everything you need to know to diagnose, treat and report cases of HPV so you can provide the highest level of care to your patients and the information we need to support you.
Public Health Professionals
Here is everything you need to know to monitor and report cases of HPV so you can provide the highest level of care to your constituents and the information we need to support you.
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