Not Your Everyday Virus... or is it?
We need to have a little chat about a very common virus. Ninety percent of people will contract this virus before they die. Seventy percent of these infections go away on their own. About half of all adults are carrying some form of the virus right now but will never know it. Look around, every other person you see is walking around right now with a strain of this virus, but they will never know it. Think you know what I’m talking about? It might sound like the flu or the common cold, but it’s not. It’s Human Papilloma virus, or HPV. Now I’m hoping by now most of you have heard of HPV, but you may not know all that much about it. I’m going to give you the 411 because the facts are scary. For most, you’ll never even know you have come in contact with it, but for a select few, it can be devastating. Guys, if you’re thinking this doesn’t affect you, think again! But we’ll get to you in a minute. HPV is a very common virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. Rest assured, most people will never have to come to terms with this fact. There are two basic categories for HPV- low-risk strains and high-risk strains. Low-risk strains are the ones that show symptoms, although they are also harmless. These strains will go away on their own thanks to your immune system. Still, it doesn’t hurt to consult your doctor if you start showing symptoms. High-risk strains of HPV are the strains that cause cell changes if your immune system fails to properly fight off the virus. Left untreated, an aggressive strain can cause abnormal cell changes to your cervix, which will develop until they become cancer. The CDC now recommends that men be vaccinated as well. Guys, you may think that sounds strange since most falsely assume their only risk is passing the virus on to other women, but did you know that HPV can also lead to penile and throat cancers? The most common misconception is that condoms will protect you from HPV. This is also not entirely true; condoms do not fully protect you from this virus. While this may seem like a lot to take in and it may seem scary, there is light at the end of the tunnel. HPV has so many treatment options available that if you continue going to your doctor, you will not get cancer. Good news, right? Ladies, this is why it is so important to be cautious with your number of partners and go to the doctor regularly for gynecological exams. Guys, it’s just as important for you to get checked out too. It’s time to get rid of the stigma associated with HPV. It’s as common as the common cold; so let’s work together to educate college campuses about the risks associated with HPV. Lend a supportive hand to those who may be going through difficult treatment and spread the word, not the virus. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2012!
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