What is the HPV virus?

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) primarily infects the skin, mucous membranes, and body fluids through sexual contact. In addition to the genital area, HPV infection can also occur through other sexual-related contact.

After HPV infection, there are usually no symptoms. HPV can be divided into high-risk and low-risk types, with an incubation period of up to 10 years. It can be transmitted from person to person, and currently, there is no targeted medication for it. In most cases, the immune system can clear the HPV infection on its own, but persistent infection can lead to various diseases caused by the HPV virus. Up to 80% of sexually active individuals have a chance of being infected with the HPV virus during their lifetime.

How serious is HPV infection?

HPV infection can lead to Head and Neck Cancer in both males and females. Head and neck cancer refers to malignant tumors that affect the mucous membranes of different anatomical sites in the upper respiratory and digestive tracts, including the nasopharynx, sinuses, mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. The risk of head and neck cancer is higher in males, with approximately two-thirds of head and neck cancer patients being male. In recent decades, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as a new risk factor for these cancers, particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Most head and neck cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in low survival rates.

In addition to head and neck cancer, HPV infection can also cause Genital Warts and other cancers such as Anal Cancer and Cervical Cancer. It can also potentially lead to infertility.

The risk of HPV infection

Get the HPV vaccine for early prevention!

The HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer vaccine) is a preventive vaccine. Currently, the HPV vaccine is effective against 9 types of HPV viruses, including types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. It is suitable for females and males aged 9 and above. Both males and females are at risk of HPV infection and the possibility of developing related diseases. It is important to note that symptoms of HPV infection in males may not be apparent, making early prevention crucial.

Who should prevent HPV?

     Preventive measures are taken before children of appropriate age have sexual experience, and research shows that prevention is more effective during adolescence.
     HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, so prevention before sexual activity provides better protection.
     Even with only one sexual partner, there is still approximately a 60% risk of infection, and the use of condoms cannot completely eliminate the risk of infection.
     The prevalence of HPV infection is higher in male than females, and there is a possibility of developing related diseases and cancers due to persistent HPV infection.
     Women aged 45-49 experience a peak in the number of cervical cancer diagnoses in the past decade, so HPV prevention is not dependent on age or whether they have given birth.
     Having an HPV infection does not necessarily mean being infected with all preventable HPV types, so vaccination can still help prevent some HPV types that one may not have been infected with.

HPV vaccine included in Hong Kong Childhood Immunization Program

According to the 2020 data of the Hong Kong Center for Health Protection, starting from the 2019/20 school year, the Hong Kong Childhood Immunization Program will provide eligible primary school girls with HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. The School Child Immunization Team under the Department of Health will visit schools to vaccinate girls in Primary 5 with the first dose of 9-Valent HPV vaccine , and the second dose will be given when the girls enter Primary 6 in the following school year.
Eligible Primary 5 girls who are not studying in Hong Kong can make an appointment for vaccination at the office of the School Children's Immunization Team. However, there is currently no free HPV vaccination for boys, so they can choose to receive the vaccine at their own expense.

FAQ:

*Part of the above information is provided by https://www.hpv.com.hk/ in Hong Kong and is for reference only. Please seek professional advice from your doctor before taking the vaccine.
The above vaccines do not treat genital warts, cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer, CIN, VIN or VaIN, nor can they prevent diseases not caused by HPV. As with all vaccines, vaccination does not necessarily protect all recipients.