HPV ‘is a really dangerous disease’

HPV, ie human papillomaviruses, are viral pathogens that actually exist only in the human reservoir and cause inflammation and skin changes, explains Dr. Andrew Krauter. “But it’s a very diverse virus that comes in about 200 subtypes, and at least a certain percentage of those — about five — are quite dangerous. High-risk viruses that can lead to cervical cancer in the long run,” says Krauter.

What distinguishes a “normal” species from a so-called high-risk species? What can trigger the latter? Dr. According to Krauter, if an infection has occurred over a long period of time, particularly in the genital area, high-risk strains can cause “the cells there to change in such a way that they then grow like a malignant tumor and then gradually become cervical cancer” Of course, this can happen not only in the area of ​​the cervix, but we also have the problem that oral transmission can cause tumors in the nose, throat and mouth or in the area of ​​​​the anal system,” adds the ÖGK chief physician in conversation with Raphaela Scharf.

Vaccination is and remains the best protective measure
This means that both sexes can get HPV. But can you still say that the husband is often the so-called landlord? Dr. According to Krauter, both sexes, so men and women, are carriers and transmitters of the virus. “So a woman can become infected through a man, but a man can also infect a woman.” Women get cervical cancer, but both sexes are equally at risk, and about 80 percent of the population will get HPV in their lifetime. “So both have the same risk of getting that and transferring it. Therefore, both must take the necessary protective measures. And that is and remains very simply the vaccination – for men and for women,” emphasizes the doctor.

How does HPV manifest? So are there actually indicators pointing to HPV? “Most HPV infections are completely asymptomatic,” says the ÖGK chief physician. “The infection phase lasts a few weeks and then it’s gone again. And in some – especially if these particularly dangerous strains are represented in the infection pattern, there are usually multiple subtypes that are transmitted here – there is a risk of contracting disease. ” Krauter mentions cervical cancer here: “It first manifests itself through so-called cell changes. The gynecologist finds this in the smear test. And after ten, fifteen years, cervical cancer can develop.”

“It’s a very dangerous disease”
The doctor still assumes that there are 400 cases of cervical cancer in Austria every year – a high number. “And it’s also not that easy to treat. It also kills 150 people a year. So it’s a very dangerous disease,” said Dr. Kruiden. So there are no real therapy options, the ÖGK chief physician refers back to the beginning, to the children’s vaccination program. “Ages 9 to 12, vaccinate before the first sexual contact. At the moment it is necessary to protect the children. Two vaccinations and you are relatively well protected against the most dangerous pathogens.”

According to Krauter, one should definitely get vaccinated, even after an infection with HPV, “because it protects against possible other pathogens, groups and also against a further boost of these dangerous subtypes. So no matter what age actually engages in sexual activity. And that limits not only to adolescence, it also extends into old age – get vaccinated anyway.herbs added.

“On the one hand there is good protection; The ÖGK and the social insurance funds also reimburse the costs of paying for a vaccination for certain indications – you should discuss this with your gynecologist or the urologist,” says the ÖGK chief physician.