HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
KEY POINTS
Venereal warts on skin around genitals or internally on female uterine cervix (although HPV disease can be very subtle and difficult to detect)
Prevalence: Worldwide
HPV is the most common STD in the U.S.
HPV vaccine is not intended for treatment of active genital warts or cancer.
Target: 9 to all adults, males and females, who are or will be sexually polygamous to protect against genital warts and cervical, vaginal, vulvar cancer, and head and neck cancers.
Disease: A sexually transmitted viral infection of the genital areas
Complications: Cervical cancer – 3700 U.S. deaths from this each year (233,000 worldwide)
Prevalence:
Worldwide
Transmission: Genital and skin-to-skin contact
Treatment: Cryotherapy of warts
Prevention:
1. Safe sex with barrier methods
2. Vaccine (killed/Gardasil)
a. 0.5cc, intramuscularly
b. Primary Series: 3 doses, at time “0”, 1 – 2 mo’s, and 6 mo’s
c. Side-Effects;
i. Mild-moderate: Injection site pain, fever, syncope, headache, nausea, joint ache, muscle ache, malaise
ii. Serious (< 0.1%): asthma, diarrhea, hypertension, headache
d. Precautions/Contraindications
i. HPV vaccine is not intended for treatment of active genital warts or cancer.
ii. Postpone vaccination when moderately ill.
iii. Systemic allergic reactions to yeast, aluminum, or polysorbate contraindicate the vaccine.
iv. Patients should sit or lie down for 15 min. after vaccination to minimize risk of passing out.
v. May be given to immune-compromised.
vi. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication.
vii. Not recommended with pregnancy (not enough data to establish safety).
e. Targets
i. 9 – adults, males and females, who are or will be sexually polygamous to protect against genital warts and cervical, vaginal, vulvar and head and neck cancers.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Online: Schedule an Appointment.
Call Us: (713) 550-2000 A customer service representative will help you choose an appointment time, and can forward any documents you will need to complete.