Spring Break
SHS offers HPV information, vaccination
n Monday information session stressed importance of vaccination for common virus
Kayla Durham
Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: News
It is the most commonly known sexually transmitted disease, and most people are not even aware they carry it. It's called the human papillomavirus.
Although most people aren't aware the disease exists, information has abounded about the disease, both on campus and off.
Monday evening, Student Health Services hosted an informational event to increase student awareness of the disease.
HPV is a DNA-based virus that infects human skin and mucous membranes and a variety of animals. There are over 100 different identified types of HPV. Some are the cause of warts, while others can cause precancerous lesions.
The symptoms may vary, but regardless of what strain of HPV a person may carry, it is important to seek medical advice.
"About 80 percent of adults in their lifetime have had HPV," family nurse practitioner Kelley Kendall said.
The SHS informational session also focused on the new HPV vaccine, Gardisil, which prevents the spread of the disease.
"Gardisil was approved in June 2006 and is only eligible for women," Kendall said. "It is as series of three injections over a nine-month [period]."
The importance of getting the shot is significant for women between the ages of 19 and 26. It is also important for a woman to receive the vaccine when her immune system is at its peak. In other words, the younger a woman is, the better chance she has to receive the full benefit from the vaccine.
"The earlier you get the shot, the better," Kendall said. "It's important to get the shot when your immune system is up."
The series of three shots costs $360 at SHS and can be covered by insurance.
"The vaccine is kind of spendy but well worth it," Kendall said.
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women, which is the second leading cause of death in women.
"Since HPV is so common, it's really important that young ladies get this taken care of as soon as possible," Kendall said.
Kristen Peterson and Abbey Wright, both juniors majoring in interior design, said the event was very informative.
"It was surprising to find out how easily [HPV] can lead to cervical cancer," Wright said.
Peterson said it was interesting that children 10 to 11 years old should get the shot because they have the best immune systems.
"I feel more aware now and able to educate others," Wright said.
Emily Steadman, student staff coordinator of SHS, was impressed by the amount of people that came to the event.
"I didn't know how many people to expect," Steadman said. "The event went really well for the small budget we were under."
Students looking for more information on the vaccine can contact Student Health Services at 737-WELL.
Although most people aren't aware the disease exists, information has abounded about the disease, both on campus and off.
Monday evening, Student Health Services hosted an informational event to increase student awareness of the disease.
HPV is a DNA-based virus that infects human skin and mucous membranes and a variety of animals. There are over 100 different identified types of HPV. Some are the cause of warts, while others can cause precancerous lesions.
The symptoms may vary, but regardless of what strain of HPV a person may carry, it is important to seek medical advice.
"About 80 percent of adults in their lifetime have had HPV," family nurse practitioner Kelley Kendall said.
The SHS informational session also focused on the new HPV vaccine, Gardisil, which prevents the spread of the disease.
"Gardisil was approved in June 2006 and is only eligible for women," Kendall said. "It is as series of three injections over a nine-month [period]."
The importance of getting the shot is significant for women between the ages of 19 and 26. It is also important for a woman to receive the vaccine when her immune system is at its peak. In other words, the younger a woman is, the better chance she has to receive the full benefit from the vaccine.
"The earlier you get the shot, the better," Kendall said. "It's important to get the shot when your immune system is up."
The series of three shots costs $360 at SHS and can be covered by insurance.
"The vaccine is kind of spendy but well worth it," Kendall said.
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women, which is the second leading cause of death in women.
"Since HPV is so common, it's really important that young ladies get this taken care of as soon as possible," Kendall said.
Kristen Peterson and Abbey Wright, both juniors majoring in interior design, said the event was very informative.
"It was surprising to find out how easily [HPV] can lead to cervical cancer," Wright said.
Peterson said it was interesting that children 10 to 11 years old should get the shot because they have the best immune systems.
"I feel more aware now and able to educate others," Wright said.
Emily Steadman, student staff coordinator of SHS, was impressed by the amount of people that came to the event.
"I didn't know how many people to expect," Steadman said. "The event went really well for the small budget we were under."
Students looking for more information on the vaccine can contact Student Health Services at 737-WELL.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Comments by registered users are approved by default.