Many Americans Are Infected with HPV, Protect Yourself With the Vaccine

According to studies from the CDC (Center for Disease Control), approximately 20 million Americans are infected with HPV also known as the Human papilomavirus. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 11,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, which can be caused by HPV, this year in the states alone.

HPV is very common, especially in our youth. The STD has several different strains. The most commonly found is the strain causing Genital Warts which affects 90% of infected individuals. While it isn't as common for the wart causing strain to develop into cancer, it has been known to happen. When diagnosed with genital warts most people's immune system will do the job of clearing them up and defeat the virus all together. Those that don't and have repeated breakouts are at higher risk for developing cancer. Warts can be found on the penis, vaginal and rectal area. It is also becoming more prevalent in the mouth and throat from oral sex, making it likely for cancer to develop in those areas as well.

This disease spreads easily since most people infected don't even know that they have it. In most cases, HPV does not have any signs or symptoms. Even those with the genital wart strain can go unnoticed if they don't actually develop the warts.

Recently a vaccination was developed for girls to prevent the cancer and wart causing strains of the Human Papilomavirus. Parents are encouraged to bring their children in and have the shot given. The shot can be administered to girls as young as 11 years old. The vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots and is provided by Merick. The well known name for the vaccine is Gardisil. Girls and Women who have not been vaccinated are recommended to do so if they are between the ages of 13 and 26.

Since the male population is the other contributor to the massive spread of this disease, Merick, the creator of Gardisil has performed testing on the effects of the vaccine in men. Still not approved by the FDA, this could be a major break through in stomping out this potentially deadly disease.

Help in the fight against cancer. Science has given us a way to actually vaccinate against a major killer in our population. Take the steps to protect your children and yourself and the insurance of a healthy future. Speak with your doctor or local Planned Parenthood for more information on the HPV vaccine and how to get started with your series.