Men and women of any age or sexual orientation can contract the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination effectively prevents cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts (condyloma acuminata), reducing the risk of developing cancer and related diseases.
“Shingles” is medically known as Herpes Zoster, a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the virus responsible for chickenpox), for which there is currently no cure. Patients develop a painful, band-like rash with blisters. After chickenpox heals, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and may reactivate later to cause shingles. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles.
This is currently the pneumococcal vaccine offering the highest protection for infants and young children. The 13-valent vaccine includes coverage for 3 additional serotypes to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases. Pneumococcal bacteria spread through droplets or respiratory secretions. With over 90 serotypes identified, the bacteria can cause severe illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media (middle ear infection).
Hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver, and chronic adult carriers are relatively common in Hong Kong. Chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Transmission mainly occurs through contact with blood or body fluids, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth. If a pregnant woman is a Hepatitis B carrier, administering Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) to the newborn at birth, followed by timely Hepatitis B vaccination, significantly reduces the baby’s risk of infection.
Over the past five years, winter influenza outbreaks have been severe, with an increasing trend in critical cases requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission or resulting in death. Annual influenza vaccination is recognized as an effective preventive measure. Getting vaccinated ahead of the seasonal flu period helps protect children and vulnerable elderly individuals from infection.
Initial symptoms of influenza closely resemble those of a common cold (e.g., sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and fatigue), making early distinction difficult. However, contracting seasonal flu and missing the optimal treatment window can lead to severe complications or death.