HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS)
Submitted by
Learning Objectives:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that infects the skin in form of plantar warts in both men and women. This virus does not usually cause major health complications. However, there is also a species of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer. It does not manifest any kind of external symptoms. Men are the primary carriers of the virus and it does not present any serious health issues for men, but can be life threatening for women because of the link to cervical cancer.
Of the 100 HPV types, there are 40 that specifically affect
genital area. HPV Types 6- 11 cause 90% of genitals warts. HPV 16-18 cause
about 70% of cervical cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases in
females. All HPV types that affect the genital area will cause an abnormal Pap
test. Since there are no symptoms to alert the presence of the HPV, it is very
important that women between the ages 21 to 65 get a yearly pap test. Though
this is not a conclusive source of diagnosis for HPV, a pap smear can detect
abnormal cells in the cervix that would indicate the need for further testing. A
doctor may order a HPV test to check the DNA type of the virus. This analysis
can identify 13 of the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. It
does not identify cancer, but it tells the woman and her doctor if she has a
type of HPV capable of causing cancer.
The various strains of HPV only tend to affect a certain area. Genital warts will not spread to one’s hands and common warts will not spread to one’s genitals. Actual treatment for both common and genital warts is about the same, though for genital warts one would want to seek out medication specifically designed for that purpose.
It is estimated that cervical cancer kills approximately
253,000 women of the 473,000 diagnosed cases every year. Each day in the
Being knowledgeable about HPV and the diseases it causes is important in the protection against the virus. Since HPV affect both males and females, safe sex is an important measure to avoid contracting HPV. Many people who have HPV are not aware they are infected because the virus has no signs or symptoms, thus the virus can be passed on to one’s partner unknowingly. It is important to know that intercourse is not necessary to transmit HPV. Any kind of genital contact with someone who has HPV is sufficient for transmission. It is also very important for females within the ages of 21-65 to have a yearly pap test. Early detection is very important and can save a life.
A vaccine known as Gardasil protects against the strains of HPV that cause most genital warts. Gardasil also protects against the HPV strains most likely to cause cervical cancer. Another vaccine, called Cervarix, protects against cervical cancer but not genital warts. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine HPV vaccination for girls ages 11 and 12, as well as girls and women ages 13 to 26 if they haven't received the vaccine.
Resources:
http://www.gardasil.com/hpv/human-papillomavirus/index.html
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/papillomaviurs
e-Learning
QUIZ
ID # Web-06-01-11
VALUE: 2 NAHUC CONTACT HOURS
Fee: $5 (U.S. Dollars) for NAHUC
members, $10 (U.S. Dollars) for non-members
Do not send cash. Make check payable to:
NAHUC.
If overpayment is made, refunds will be issued in the form of NAHUC Buck
certificates.
Directions:
Print, choose the most
correct answer based on the article and mail the completed quiz, self-addressed
self-stamped return envelope along with appropriate fee to:
Linda Winslow
Only
quizzes with at least 70% answered correctly will be awarded contact hours.
Please
allow up to 6-8 weeks for quizzes to be returned.
DEADLINE
FOR SUBMISSION OF THIS QUESTIONNAIRE IS MAY 31, 2012.
Member #: ________ Name:_______________________________________________
Phone number: ___________ Email address:
________________________________
1. What is HPV?
a. gardasil
b. human Papillomavirus vaccine
c. human Papillomavirus
d. hemoglobin Pap Virus
2. The primary carrier of the HPV is?
a. males
b. toilet seats
c. infected hands and improper hand washing
d. both males and females
3. HPV is diagnosed through:
a. blood test
b. chest x-ray
c. urine test
d. DNA test
4. Which of the following statements best describes HPV?
a. a virus that infects the skin in form of plantar warts
b. a vaccination that protects against a virus
c. a disease that always leads to cervical cancer
d. the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the
5. According to the article, females between what ages should get yearly pap smears?
a. ages 18-50
b. ages 20-80
c. ages 21-65
d. ages 13-26
6. What does a pap smear detect?
a. all HPV types
b. abnormal cells
c. occult blood
d. endometrial tissue
7. HPV types 16-18 may cause:
a. pain
b. infertility
c. common warts
d. cervical cancer
8. Which of the following statements about HPV is not true?
a. Genital warts will spread to your hands.
b. Early detection is very important and can save a life.
c. Of the 100 HPV types, there are 40 that specifically affect genital area
d. There may be no symptoms
9. Which of the following will not help prevent HPV?
a. practicing safe sex
b. not sitting on public toilets
c. asking your physician about vaccinations
d. avoiding genital contact with someone with HPV
10. In the
a. 50
b. 10
c. 30
d. 90