What does HPV mean?
Recently, I heard some promotion about preventing HPV. I would like to ask, what is HPV?
Doctor's answer (1)
HPV is an abbreviation for Human Papillomavirus, a common spherical DNA virus transmitted through skin or mucosal contact and widely present in nature. The following points about HPV should be noted:
1. Classification: There are more than 150 subtypes of HPV, categorized as low-risk or high-risk types. They can also be classified as cutaneous or mucosal types based on the affected site.
2. Symptoms: Low-risk HPV mainly causes skin warts, while high-risk types are closely associated with multiple tumors.
3. Transmission: HPV is primarily transmitted through direct contact, sexual activity, and mother-to-child transmission, with sexual contact being the most common route.
4. Prevention and control: Strengthening public health education and sex education, and reducing unsafe sexual practices are important measures for preventing HPV infection.
Currently, preventive HPV vaccines have been widely used and can effectively prevent infections caused by specific HPV types and the diseases resulting from such infections. In addition, regular cervical cancer screening is also one of the recommended measures for early detection and treatment of HPV-related diseases.
