Generally speaking, it can be challenging to determine if someone is infected with HPV, as there are over 200 known types of the virus. In many cases, individuals do not exhibit warts or persistent infections, and the immune system can clear the virus on its own.
To assess whether someone may be infected, you can observe for visible warts. However, the only definitive way to know if a person has HPV is through medical testing.
How is HPV Transmitted?
It’s important to note that if someone tests positive for HPV, it doesn’t necessarily imply they lead an indecent private life. While sexual activity is a primary mode of transmission, it is not the only one. HPV can also spread through direct contact, indirect contact, and from mother to child.
For instance, common warts—such as filiform warts, flat warts, and plantar warts—are caused by low-risk HPV and are typically transmitted through skin contact. Items like clothing, shoes, socks, and toiletries from an infected person can also pose infection risks.
Additionally, if your skin or mucous membranes are damaged and you come into contact with contaminated items such as clothing, personal items, or shared facilities like pools, you could become infected.
Australia’s HPV Situation
In Australia, the peak age range for HPV infection among women is 15 to 24 years. This period is critical, as developing cervical cancer can place significant burdens on individuals, families, and society.
Currently, about one in three women will be infected with HPV by age 15. Therefore, both the World Health Organization and Australian health guidelines recommend prioritizing HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 who have not yet engaged in sexual activity, requiring only two doses (compared to three doses for those over 15). Vaccination after infection may reduce effectiveness, so earlier vaccination is preferable.
How to Prevent HPV
HPV Vaccination
In Australia, HPV vaccines are available in bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent formulations. Women can opt for the low-cost vaccine, which is readily available and effectively prevents cervical cancer.
For example, the bivalent HPV vaccine protects against HPV16 and HPV18, the two main strains that cause cervical cancer. It utilizes a highly safe expression system and has fewer side effects compared to other HPV vaccines. The quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, while the nine-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) offers protection against an additional five types (31, 33, 45, 52, and 58).
The ideal time to get vaccinated is before your first sexual intercourse. Even if you have had sex or tested positive for a certain virus, the vaccine can still provide some protection against other virus types you have not contracted.
Regular Cervical Cancer Screening
Vaccination does not guarantee permanent immunity, so there remains a possibility of HPV infection. Early cervical cancer often has no symptoms and can be very discreet, making regular screening essential for early detection during the long precancerous period. Early treatment can lead to better health outcomes.
Cervical cancer screening mainly includes cervical TCT and HPV tests, which can detect potential lesions and HPV infections through the analysis of cervical cells. This is an effective tool for identifying early cervical issues.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle to Boost Immunity
HPV is widespread, and it’s difficult to avoid infection entirely. Statistics indicate that over 80% of sexually active women will have been infected with at least one strain of HPV at some point in their lives. Therefore, if you discover an HPV infection, there’s no need to panic.
HPV is often self-limiting, and many infections are transient. The body’s immune system plays a crucial role in clearing the virus. When immunity is low, HPV can take advantage of the situation.
Currently, no specific drug can eradicate HPV, so instead of relying on advertisements, focus on adjusting your lifestyle to enhance your immune system.