International HPV Awareness Day:
Every year, March 4 is observed as International HPV Awareness Day.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which more than 40 are spread through direct sexual contact.
- Among these, two HPV types cause genital warts, and about a dozen HPV types can cause certain types of cancer. More than 95% of cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus.
- It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally.
- It also spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
- Once infected, most people do not develop any symptoms, thereby not being aware that they have the virus.
- Getting vaccinated against HPV helps prevent cancer in men and women.
- HPV Vaccination prevents HPV infections that can progress to cancer or genital warts.
- The HPV vaccination is more efficacious if given between the age group of 9-26 years.
- Once a person gets HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective.
- The HPV vaccine isn’t given during pregnancy.
