What is HPV?
Genital human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States.
There are about 40 types of HPV. About 20 million people in the U.S. are infected, and about 6.2 million more get infected each year. HPV is spread through sexual contact.
Most HPV infections don't cause symptoms and go away on their own. But HPV is important mostly because it can cause CERVICAL CANCER in women. Recent CDC recommendations include a recommendation that girls get this vaccine before they become sexually active to prevent this infection.
The vaccine Gardasil is now available at the Allen County Health Department. To see if you should consider this vaccination, please call 237-4423.
