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Learn More About HPV
More than 14 million people are infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) each year - this number also includes teens. In most cases, the virus will run its course and then go away on its own. When that doesn't happen, the virus can cause health problems like:
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Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or groups of bumps in the genital area. They an be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. A healthcare provider can usually diagnose warts by looking at the genital area.
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HPV cancers include cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. HPV infection can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.
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Click here for even more HPV information.
Vaccination Safety
An HPV infection is very common. About 9 in 10 people will get an HPV infection at some point in their lives. HPV infections can cause several kinds of cancer in both women and men, but there are safe and effective vaccines recommended to prevent health problems from happening. The HPV vaccination is very safe, but like any medicine, the vaccine can have side effects. Most people who get the HPV vaccine will have no side effects, however, some report the following:
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Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
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Fever
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Headache or feeling tired
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Nausea
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Muscle or joint pain
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Click here to take a closer look at the safety data.
The HPV Epidemic
The Missouri Cancer Consortium, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Immunization Program, is sponsoring a limited number of free online viewings of Someone You Love - The HPV Epidemic for Missouri health providers and Missouri residents.
Click here to watch the trailer.
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