Although it is very difficult to give an exact figure, it is estimated that there are 320,000 different viruses that affect mammals , according to a 2013 Columbia University study. Of this considerably large number, many can affect human health and not all have come to identify themselves, understand each other, or find a cure and treatment. One of the most common viruses among the human population is the human papilloma virus , which can affect 80% of the sexually active population .
HPV is exclusive to humans , without there being a variant that affects other animals, and it has more than 150 variants of which most are not dangerous. HPV is contracted through sexual contact and does not cause symptoms as such , going unnoticed unless a specific test is done to detect it. Among the high-risk papillomaviruses, types 16 and 18 stand out , which are those most associated with the development of cancer.
Of the detected cases of cancer derived from HPV, 70% of them are cervical cancer , the most common symptoms of which are: vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse, back and leg pain, fatigue, weight loss and appetite or vaginal discomfort among others. Tumors of the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus are the other most common HPV-derived cancers .
The increasing knowledge about this papillomavirus and its high incidence among the population have generated a current of misinformation that leads to errors such as the direct association between the human papillomavirus and the presence of cancer . The World Health Organization warns that 90% of HPV cases manage to be eliminated by the immune system itself. In addition, there are preventive methods such as the use of condoms (although it does not protect 100%).
The only way to fully protect against HPV is a vaccine that should be given to men and women equally (in addition to, obviously, sexual abstinence and monogamy with a partner who has never had the virus).
For a few years, March 4 has been International HPV Awareness Day and there are hundreds of associations and institutes around the world that seek to publicize the risks of the human papillomavirus through extensive and truthful information that is stay away from any kind of social alarm.
