According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV infects both females and males. The are many different types of HPV. Some strains can cause serious health problems such as cervical cancer, testicular cancer, penile cancer and genital warts in both females and males. Many people who have HPV do not realize they are infected because the virus can remain dormant and they may never develop symptoms. Others may find out they are infected when they develop genital warts or have a PAP smear which presents abnormal cells. Any one can be infected through genital contact, even if they do not engage in intercourse. Condoms that are not fitted properly, or which tear also expose individuals to HPV infection.
The best way to guard against HPV is to get vaccinated. Health Watch Clinic recommends that all boys and girls get vaccinated when they are 11 or 12 years old. Gardasil is the only HPV vaccine that can help protect both boys and girls from certain cancers and genital warts that are caused by HPV. Only two (2) doses of the vaccine are administered 6 months apart when your child begins the series through ages 9 to 14. Three doses of the vaccine are recommended for patients who start vaccination at ages 15 through 26. This also applies to immuno compromised patients. Please contact Health Watch Clinic to make an appointment for your child to get the Gardasil vaccine.