A couple years ago, I made the decision to guard myself against
HPV (human papillomavirus). According to Merck’s Gardasil
website, here are the facts about HPV: HPV is a wide spread
virus that can infect most males and females in their lifetime.
In fact, approximately 20 million Americans are currently
infected with HPV. Another 6 million people become infected each
year. For many, HPV clears on its own. But for some, significant
consequences may arise: cervical, vaginal, penis, anus, head,
and neck cancers (oral cavity and throat). The virus often has
no signs or symptoms, so many people who have HPV don’t even
know it! This also means you can pass the virus to your partner
without knowing it. I am sure most of you know someone who (or
you yourself) has been diagnosed with cancer. And I am sure the
hope of a cure for cancer has crossed your mind. Gardasil is not
a cure or treatment; however, it can prevent certain strains of
cancer. Gardasil is the only human papillomavirus vaccine that
helps protect against