Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the Philippines. It can cause genital and anal warts, cervical cancer, as well as other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer), which can include the base of the tongue and tonsils.
HPV infection is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to another person even when they have no signs or symptoms.
If you are sexually active, you can get HPV even if you have had sexual intercourse with only one person. You also can develop symptoms years after having sex with someone who has the infection. This makes it hard to know when you first got HPV infection.
Experts recommend regular screening (Pap test), safe sex practices (condom use, monogamy, etc.), and getting the HPV vaccine to prevent the diseases caused by HPV.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) and Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) recommend a 2-dose HPV vaccine series for females ages 9-14 years, and a 3-dose series for females ages 15 years and older. They recommend HPV vaccine for males 9-18 years of age for the prevention of anal and genital warts and anal cancer.
The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) recommends HPV vaccination for females until the age of 26 years for the prevention of cervical cancer and anogenital warts. They recommend HPV vaccine for males 16-26 years of age for the prevention of genital warts and anal cancer.
Consult your doctor for more information on the recommended HPV vaccination schedule.
Shop at Watsons for your vitamins, supplements, prescription medications, and other essential healthcare needs. HPV vaccine is also available. Check Watsons vaccination schedules now!
References: https://www.makatimed.net.ph/blogs/7-most-common-sexually-transmitted-infections-in-the-philippines/. Accessed 24 August 2022 https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. Accessed 24 August 2022 http://www.pidsphil.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CIS-2018.pdf. Accessed 24 August 2022 https://www.psmid.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CPG-ADULT-IMMUNIZATION-2018.pdf. Accessed 24 August 2022
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