Human papilloma virus and ways to protect yourself from it
What is the human papillomavirus and how do we protect ourselves against it? This virus is quite common. It is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse and in the home. Often, when a person is infected (infected) with the virus, he or she does not even suspect that he or she has been infected with the virus, as the virus may not even show obvious clinical manifestations.
Papillomavirus or human papillomavirus (HPV) - papilloma consists of viral groups. There are 27 species from five families, a viral group of more than 200 types, some strains of the virus can cause cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) - without leaving itself, can bring many changes to the cells of the cervix. It can also lead to both cancerous inflammation and cervical cancer if not treated on time. According to statistics, in people infected with papillomavirus, the incubation period can lead to the progression of cervical cancer for 10-15 years in a few months. The greatest danger is a group of viruses from families 6, 11, 16, 18.
How to determine the human papilloma virus? Viral papilloma is characterised by the appearance of small inconspicuous growths on the mucous membranes, creamy skin. On the mucous membranes of the genitals, acute condylomas, growths can also be observed. It is distinguished by the appearance of warts, tips, growths on the skin. If not treated in time, it can lead to the mentioned cervical cancer. Ways of transmission - contact in the household is transmitted sexually, from a pregnant woman to a child inside. That's why doctors are sounding the alarm. Because according to statistics, cervical cancer in Kazakhstan ranks second in prevalence after breast cancer among women of all ages and is most common among women aged 25 to 44 years, which leads to a high mortality rate. About 1,900 women are registered with cervical cancer each year in Kazakhstan, and more than 600 women die from this cesarean section per year.
Disease prevention measures:
- Do not have sex with dubious people;
- pay attention to immunity, keep genitals clean, avoid injuries and inflammations. If a person has a high immunity, he can suppress and destroy the virus, weakening it. And if immunity is sharply reduced, the impact of the virus can increase and lead to complications;
- it is better for women to visit a doctor in a timely manner, twice a year and take tests in the appropriate laboratory tests;
-Most importantly, the main way to prevent HPV is to get an antiviral vaccination.
The human papillomavirus vaccine protects against cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus vaccine does not affect a woman's fertility.
HPV vaccination is being carried out in 135 countries worldwide, as well as in neighbouring countries since 2013-14, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Russia. Globally, the HPV vaccine has proven to be effective. However, there is no evidence of adverse reactions after vaccination among adolescent girls.
In Kazakhstan, 11-year-old girls are vaccinated against human papillomavirus. This is due to the fact that, according to the World Health Organisation, the most effective use of HPV vaccine is at an early age, i.e. among adolescent girls aged 9 to 14 years.
The vaccine is administered free of charge through vaccination rooms in educational organisations. Vaccination is carried out with the informed consent of parents or guardians. Vaccination is also given to healthy children with no health problems, after a doctor's examination, if there are no contraindications. The HPV vaccine is also safe for immunocompromised people. Vaccination is carried out with Gardasil vaccine, vaccinated twice with an interval of six months.
Another interesting point, in the decision of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Republic of Kazakhstan from 17 September 2024 № 11 we inform that after obtaining the informed consent of parents (legal representatives) is carried out additional vaccination against HPV girls aged 12 years to 13 years 11 months 29 days inclusive.
By deciding to vaccinate adolescent girls against HPV, you will protect them from oncology in the future.
ASIMA ISEMBAEVA,
Head of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Department of Auezov district
Almaty
