Communicable_Disease_Essay

Communicable Disease Paper Susan May University of Phoenix Communicable Disease Paper “Communicable disease is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from one individual to another either directly by contact or indirectly by formites and vectors, (“Communicable Disease,” 2010).” Communicable diseases rely on fluid exchange, contaminated substances, or close contact to travel from an infected carrier to a healthy or unhealthy individual. Human Papillomavirus is a form of communicable disease that can affect men and women of all ages. Human Papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. HPV comes in many types. Some cases of HPV are low risk and some are considered high risk. High risk HPV can lead to the development of cancer. Not all high risk cases of HPV will lead to cancer. HPV is passed through genital contact, vaginal, and anal sex. HPV affects the skin in the genital area, as well a female cervix. Depending on the type of HPV involved, symptoms can be in the form of wart- like growths, or abnormal cell changes. The types of cancers that can be caused from HPV include cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and a head and neck including tongue, tonsils, and neck. HPV can be diagnosed with a pap smear test done by an OB/Gyn. Younger women may also be biologically more vulnerable to the virus. Adolescent boys and young men are also at increased risk, but the disease may not be detected (“Genital HPV Infection,” 2009). The efforts in place to control Human Papillomavirus are vaccinations. Vaccinations are available for both males and females. For those sexually active men and women, condoms may lower the risk of HPV. For the condom to be effective in preventing HPV, it must be worn for all sexual encounters from start to finish. HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom so not a guaranteed protection of HPV. A person may never experience signs or symptoms that he or she may have HPV. Routine cervical screenings and follow-up for abnormal tests are ways of knowing if she has HPV or whether a candidate for the vaccination (“Genital HPV Infection,” 2009). Environmental factors related to Human Papillomavirus are young age, areas of little to no activity for young teenagers, living in desolated areas with HIV/AIDS with little knowledge of diseases and limited resources for health care and weakened immune systems. When there are no activities for teenagers to do then he or she will find trouble. The young teenagers begin engaging in sex at a young age and this improves chances of him or her having several sexual relationships. The more sexual relationships he or she is involved in, the higher chance he or she has to attaining the HPV communicable disease. Geographic origin can affect those transmitted with HPV. Also those girls with less education, younger age, and those engaged in sex work. Competition in schools today is increased with more than athletics. Young teenagers are trying to fit in so many girls and boys will do whatever it takes to be wanted and accepted not regarding the circumstances (Miksis, 2008). Education in communicable diseases is important for schools, communities, families and at the state and national levels. The CDC website has causes, concerns, and information about the shot for prevention listed on their website for him or her to read (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010). I have watched the show “The Drs,” and they have put out their concern for awareness of this disease. OB/Gynecologists are more aware and up-to-date on the information that is readily available. He or she is able to vaccinate a patient to prevent him or her being affected with HPV. Educating parents and guardians to assist them in educating his or her children to be cautious in sexual relationships and use protection in all sexual acts performed from the start to the end. Human Papillomavirus is a serious communicable disease that is becoming more aware and known. HPV can affect both males and females of any age. Not all HPV cases cause cancer, but HPV is a known cause for cervical cancer. To ensure quality health, young teenagers must receive education so he or she is cautious when engaging in sexual acts. He or she may be infected with HPV and have no signs and symptom. The public health departments are working on educating the public and providing vaccinations for men and women. References Communicable Disease. (2010). Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/communicable%20disease Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). HPV Infection. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hpv-infection/DS00906/DSECTION=risk-factors Miksis, S. (2008). A review of the evidence comparing the human papillomavirus vaccine versus condoms in the prevention of human papillomavirus infections. JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 37(3), 329-337. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. (2009). Genital HPV Infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm