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...