Is Your Child Protected From HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (more commonly known as HPV), is one of the most widespread sexually-transmitted viral infections that affect men, women and children alike. Out of more than 130 types or strains of HPV, there are more than 40 types that can infect not only the genital areas of males and females but also the mouth, skin and throat. Human Papillomavirus is not to be confused with Herpes viruses or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as these viruses which are also passed on during sexual intercourse cause different symptoms and health problems.

Although there is no data on the incidence or prevalence of HPV infections in Malaysia, there is some data on the different types of HPV in patients with cervical cancer in the country. Among these patients, 73% have evidence of HPV Type 16 and 65.2% with HPV Type 18. Cervical cancer is associated with HPV types 16, 18 and 31.

Despite much information on HPV focusing on females due to their increased risk of getting cervical cancer, HPV infections can also cause many health problems for males. A male who is infected with HPV has an increased risk of getting genital cancers, although these cancers are uncommon. HPV can also cause genital warts in men, just as in women. To date, there is still no cure for HPV; however vaccinations are available to prevent HPV-related diseases.

Watch out for these!

Most adults and children who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it as there are no symptoms or health problems that develop from it. If you or your child is infected, the signs and symptoms could take a few weeks, months or even years before it appears. Generally and in almost 90% of cases, the human body’s immune system will clear HPV within one to two years. However, there are times when the infection fails to clear and this can cause a few cellular abnormalities such as:

• Cervical cancer – in a small number of women, the HPV stays in the cells of the cervix causing a change in the cell structure. In cases like these, abnormalities of the cervix can progress to cancer. There are 15 cancer-causing types which can lead to cervical cancer; some of the most common include HPV Types 16, 18, 45 and 31. Cancercausing HPV types 16 and 18 together cause up to 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide.
• Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) – is a condition in which warts grow in the throat. These growths can sometimes block the airway, causing a hoarse voice or breathing difficulties.
• Genital warts – usually appears as a small bump or a group of bumps in the genital area. They can appear in different shapes and sizes. Generally associated with HPV Type 6 and HPV Type 11. Warts can appear within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected partner—even if the infected partner has no signs of genital warts. If these warts are left untreated, they may go away, remain unchanged, or increase in size or number.
• Other HPV – related cancers such as cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat.

Get your child vaccinated!

There are several ways that you can lower your child’s chances of getting HPV and its adverse health effects. Safe and effective vaccines are now available to protect both males and females against some of the most common types of HPV and the health problems that the virus can cause. These vaccines are given in three shots. It is important for your child to get all three doses to gain the best protection. The vaccines are most effective when given at 11 or 12 years of age, i.e. before first sexual contact.

• Girls and women: Two vaccines are available to protect females against cervical cancer as this cancer type causes more than 1,500 cases each year in Malaysia. One of these vaccines also protect against most genital warts and anal, vaginal and vulvar cancers. HPV vaccines are recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. These vaccines can also be given to girls beginning at 9 years of age. It is recommended to get the same vaccine brand for all three doses, whenever possible.
• Boys and men: The same vaccines can be given to males to protect against most ano-genital warts and cancers. It can be given to boys and men aged 9 to 26 years of age.

Cervical cancer is most treatable when it is diagnosed and treated early. It is recommended that sexually active females get routine Pap smear tests and follow up as needed so that any problems can be detected before the cancer develops. Remember that prevention is always better than cure.