The HPV Files

With every widespread medical introduction comes many misconceptions and the HPV vaccine is no exception. We debunk the myths and false impressions that have come up over the years since the HPV vaccination was introduced.

- Jerrica Leong

Human Pappilomas virus is a group of more than 150 related viruses; each strand of the virus is given a number to define its HPV type. The viruses are transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most commonly through vaginal or anal sex. In most cases HPV infections like genital warts do not cause any health problems. However, if a person is infected by HPV types 16 and 18 collectively, research shows that there is a 70 per cent chance that this person will develop various types of cancer in the mouth, throat and, most commonly, cervix in women.

With the rise of HPV cancer all over the world, scientists and researchers have developed a way to help reduce the likelihood of developing the disease via a vaccination that was introduced in 2006. But even with the widespread vaccinations all over the world, many are still in the dark about the vaccine and are hesitant about getting immunised. So what exactly is the HPV vaccine and is it proven to be safe?

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