Human papillomavirus | Six myths about this disease | Health | Technology and science | Science

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and can affect the genital area (vulva, vagina, penis and anus), mouth and throat. Despite this, it is easy to prevent because there is a vaccine that can be applied to girls and boys aged 9 and over.

Like many other diseases, there are myths and taboos that often confuse the population. Therefore, the specialists in the League Against Cancer solve the most common doubts related to this virus.

1. Only women can contract HPV

FALSE. Men can also suffer from the virus. It is believed that most men and women who are sexually active will have this infection at some point in their lives.

2. Only women can be vaccinated against HPV

FALSE. It is recommended to vaccinate children aged 9 to 14 years by applying 2 doses spaced 6 months apart. In women and men aged 15 years and over, 3 doses are applied, the second after 2 months of the first and third doses after 4 months of the second dose.

3. There is only one type of HPV

FALSE. There are more than 100 types, of which strains 16 and 18 are considered high risk, which are also responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases, the leading cause of death from this disease in Peruvian women. In the same way, these strains can cause cancers of the vulva, anus and vagina. Meanwhile, strains 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of genital warts.

4. An HPV vaccine promotes the onset of sexual activity

FALSE. The vaccine protects girls against HPV. The beginning of sex life will depend on the education and information you receive from your parents, your school and the community.

5. Having HPV means having cancer

FALSE. Having HPV does not mean having cancer. Indeed, not all strains of the virus are carcinogenic.

6. HPV has symptoms

FALSE. Most people infected with this virus have no symptoms. Affected people do not always have health problems. The only manifestations of HPV (which are not always present) are genital warts and some types of cancer.

DATA

The Ministry of Health has requested free human papillomavirus vaccine for fifth-grade girls in public or private schools, whose parents must sign the "INFORMED CONSENT" that allows immunization 9 and 13 years if they are applied in a health center.

Parents wishing to vaccinate their daughters or children, who are not part of the free vaccination group, can go to vaccination centers and private clinics.