Chuck DarwinFew viruses are as widespread
– and misunderstood
– as the human papillomavirus,
or #HPV.
It's so common that most of us
– up to 80%
– will encounter it at some point in our lives, often without even realising it.
Understanding HPV matters, given that it is linked to several types of #cancer.
Scientists have identified more than 200 types of HPV, making it one of the most diverse viral families known
– and a complex one at that.
Many strains are low risk, causing either no symptoms or benign #warts.
HPV types 1, 2, and 4, for instance, are responsible for the common skin wart.
Many will have experienced these, including the familiar #verruca (plantar wart) picked up at swimming pools.
Some strains, such as HPV 6 and 11,
cause genital warts
– small growths that appear on the genitals or around the anus.
Treatments such as creams, surgical removal or freezing can get rid of the visible warts,
but they don't remove the virus itself.
This means the virus can still be passed to sexual partners until the body's immune system clears it.
Most seriously,
certain types of HPV
– particularly 16 and 18
– have known links to cancer.
They belong to a group of about 14 high-risk strains that can enter human cells and damage their DNA.
This damage interferes with the cells' normal controls on growth and division,
which can lead to the development of cancer.
Repeated or persistent infection with these strains increases the risk of developing cancer.
So, too, does smoking, which reduces the ability of the immune system to clear the virus.
Because HPV comes in so many forms
– from harmless skin warts to strains linked with cancer
– it's easy to see how myths and confusion can take hold.
To separate fact from fiction, here are five key points that everyone should know about the virus.
1. HPV is not just associated with cervical cancer
2. You don't need to have symptoms or genital warts to pass the virus on
3. HPV transmission can occur from more than just vaginal or anal sex
4. Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing spread
5. Even vaccinated women need to have smear tests
For those eligible for the HPV vaccine,
protection is not just for the individual,
but also for future sexual partners who could otherwise be exposed.
By staying informed and taking preventative measures, we can reduce the effect of this common virus
and keep ourselves and others safer.
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-virus-almost-everyone-gets-what-you-need-to-know-about-hpv
Magpie Bridge
