Human papillomavirus (HPV) is described as the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).It is An infection that causes warts in various parts of the body, depending on the strain.
Many people with HPV do not develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include warts on the genitals or surrounding skin.
Throughout the month of March, there will be intensified campaign to get many people to screen and get vaccinated against the virus.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Dr. Saaniwie Aiden, Medical Director of the Upper East Regional Hospital and a Member of the International Papilloma Society, explains that the virus is sexually transmitted as he urges members of the public to endeavour to get screened.
“Generally, it is asymptomatic. That is to say it doesn’t present with any symptoms. That’s why we need a very good screening mechanism to be in place and that’s part of the reason why this awareness creation is very important,” he stated.
Dr. Aiden indicated that the virus predisposes infected persons to several cancers but cervical cancer is the most severe and life-threatening.
While disclosing the various prevention levels of the disease, he urged the public to adopt primary preventive measures in order not to be exposed to the virus as he indicated that tertiary prevention could be futile.
“With primary prevention, generally we use the acronym ABC. Since it is sexually transmitted, if you abstain from sex to start with, chances that you will be exposed to this virus is negligible,” he said.
“So abstinence is what we preach. The second is preventing yourself from having multiple sexual partners. So safe sex practices, the use of condoms which are protective barriers that will prevent the virus from being transmitted. So these are ways that you can protect yourself”.
