Wissen|schaf(f)t Gesundheit: Human papillomaviruses (HPV)

In the course of their lives, 80% of all sexually active people become infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). In most cases, an HPV infection is asymptomatic and heals spontaneously. However, if it persists, it can develop into genital warts, precancerous lesions and, in the long term, cancers such as cervical cancer. The HPV vaccination, which is also offered in the school vaccination program, offers protection against infection.
In her lecture, Hanna Hosa, a specialist at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, explains what human papillomaviruses are, how infection occurs, what secondary diseases can occur after an infection and what to do in the event of an abnormal cancer smear. The expert also explains how vaccination against certain types of cancer works and why it is important not only for girls but also for boys. The WHO elimination strategy for cervical cancer is also presented.
"Wissen|schaf(f)t Gesundheit" is a series of lectures organized by the Medical University of Innsbruck. Doctors and researchers present the current state of research to an interested public in an understandable way.