Friday Q&A: HPV vaccine; preventing cholesterol plaque; COVID isolation for infants; & female hair loss
TGIF! 🎉
ICYMI 👉
The first question (about the HPV vaccine) is free for all subscribers. Questions 2-4 (on preventing cholesterol plaque; COVID isolation for infants; and reversing hair loss) are for paid subscribers only. If you would like a paid subscription but it’s not in your budget, please message me directly.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They do not reflect those of my employer, nor are they a substitute for advice from your personal physician.
QUESTION #1: HPV VACCINE FOR KIDS & ADULTS
Can adults take the HPV vaccine? Also I read recently that a single dose of the HPV vaccine (at least given before age 15) appears to provide excellent protection (WHO and others). Is this data compelling? Thank you!
-Ann
Hi Ann,
I love these questions. The HPV vaccine is (to me) one of the coolest medical technologies out there. How so? Studies have consistently shown efficacy rates of over 90% for preventing infections with HPV (human papillomavirus) types 16 and 18, which are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers such as cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. This immunity seems to last for up to 10 years.
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. So it makes sense that the vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV through sexual activity. It is typically recommended for kids (starting at age 9) and teens as part of their routine vaccine schedules.
However, adults up to age 45 can receive the HPV vaccine, too. Immunization is less beneficial for those have already been infected with one or more of the HPV vaccine types, however you can still receive the HPV vaccine even with a history of an abnormal Pap test, genital warts, or HPV infection.
The ACIP, WHO, and other expert bodies recommend a two-dose series for ages 9 to 15 and a three-dose series if the shots are initiated at or after age 15. And yes, recent research has suggested that even a single dose of the HPV vaccine may provide excellent protection against HPV infection, particularly when administered at a younger age. However this is not yet the standard in the U.S.
Given its favorable safety profile and potential upside, I, too, recommend routine HPV vaccination for adolescents, ideally before they become sexually active—and for anyone who is at risk.
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QUESTION #2: PREVENTING CHOLESTEROL PLAQUE
What's the best way to prevent cholesterol plaque buildup? and can it be reversed? or do lifestyle changes/meds just help prevent further buildup?
-Claudia
Dear Claudia,
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