Cervarix

Cervarix ni nama vaksin HPV yang saya ambil.  A few information about cervarix seperti di bawah;

Who should receive Cervarix?

• can be prescribed for girls and women aged 10-45 y.o
• the ideal time to vaccinate against HPV is prior to exposure to HPV therefore, before first sexual encounter
• if you're already infected with HPV at initiation of the vaccination course, cervarix is not expected to induce regression of the lesions and may not be able to protect you against the disease progression

Who should not receive Cervarix?

• anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine
• has an allergic reaction after receiving a dose of the vaccine
• anyone who is pregnant

- signs of allergic reaction may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue.

How is Cervarix is given? 

It is given as an injection to the deltoids muscle of your upper arm and the doses are given as;

• First dose :  at a date you and your doctor decide
• Second dose :  1 month after the first dose
• Third dose :  6 months after the first dose

Other important information

• if you miss a dose, consult your doctor and he will decide when to give the missed dose
• Cervarix will not protect against diseases that are not caused cancer causing HPV
• women who become pregnant before completion of the 3-dose schedule should complete their vaccination schedule after birth
• women who receive cervarix should continue to undergo cervical cancer screening as recommended by doctor

Kenapa saya ambil vaksin HPV?

Kenapa saya ambil vaksin HPV? Ramai yang tidak bersetuju ttg pengambilan vaksin ni.  Bagi saya mudah sahaja, for health purposes @ langkah berjaga2.  Mcm suntikan BCG, dan yang lain2 tu la.  Sebagai langkah pencegahan.  Ya betul, kalu kita mengamalkan cara hidup yang sihat n menjaga diri sendiri - tidak mengamalkan seks bebas, use condom, tidak merokok, dsbg nya - inshaAllah kita akan terhindar dari kanser serviks ni.  

Persoalan nye sekarang, adakah my future partner tidak membawa virus ini??  Atas dasar itu lah saya tidak teragak2 untuk disuntik dengan vaksin HPV.  Adakah kita pasti bahawa jodoh kita bukan dengan suami org, duda?  kalu dengan duda, sudah berapa kali kah dia pernah berkahwin sebelum ini, adakah  bekas pasangan nya ada membawa virus HPV?? hmmm, ajal maut jodoh semua di tangan tuhan....tp tak salah kan kalu kita berusaha untuk mencegah.  Terpulang pada diri masing2.  =) 

p/s:  prevention is better than cure...*wink-wink*

What is HPV?

HPV @ Human papillomavirus is a common virus which affects human.  More than 100 types of HPV have been identifed, most of which are harmless.  About 30 types are spread through sexual contact, of which some types can cause visible genital warts, while others can cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers.  Type 16 n 18 cause cervical cancer.  

What is the relation between HPV and cervical cancer?

Most HPV infections occur without any symptoms and will go away without any treatment over the course of a few months.  However, in some cases, the infection can persist leading the risk of progression to cervical cancer.  This process can take more than ten years. 

This virus can be spread without women knowing it because cancer causing HPV infection is not commonly associated with any sign or symptoms.

How is HPV is transmitted?

• Through genital skin to skin contact. (sharing public toilet, etc)
• Any woman, regardless of her age or lifestyle.
• Sexual intercourse is not necessary to become infected.
• Women who smoke are 2 times at risk than non-smoker.
• Sexual transmitted Infections (STI) 
• The risk of HPV infection starts from the first sexual encounter and lasts throughout a woman's life.  

Prevention is better than cure.

• Regular pap-smear testing to look for early signs of the disease.  Pap-smear is a quick and simple test to find abnormal cells at the surface of the cervix.
• Condom reduce the risk but are not fully protective.
• Vaccination - the immune system (the body's natural defence system) will make antibodies against HPV.  
• Sex education at school.