Prisma Health On Call: Answers to your HPV and cervical cancer questions
Presented by a GVLtoday Partner
Speak with your doctor about HPV infection, the HPV vaccine, or any other questions you have about your sexual health. | Photo provided by Prisma Health
HPV, cervical cancer... the terms might sound scary, but don’t let them stop you from taking charge of your health. Whether you’re concerned about getting vaccinated, understanding test results, or simply want to be informed, you’re not alone.
To help us gather your need-to-know questions, we recently asked our readers (aka you) to send us their HPV and cervical cancer questions for this month’s installment of Prisma Health On Call. And here with the answers is Prisma Health OB/GYN Academic Specialist Erica Lowing, MD.
What is HPV, and how does someone become infected?
“HPV is the human papillomavirus, which is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It can be transmitted through any form of sexual activity including oral, vaginal, or anal sex, or other genital contact. According to the CDC, HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people will become infected at some point in their lifetime.”
Why do you refer to “HPV” like it’s one virus? There are dozens of different HPVs with different health implications, correct?
“That is correct! There are many different strains of HPV and some are much higher risk than others. If you have an HPV infection, your provider can test for the type of HPV you have and discuss with you the risks associated with that type.”
Is HPV curable? Can HPV resolve on its own?
“Absolutely! The majority of HPV infections resolve within one year. Your body’s immune system, especially with the help of vaccination, can help clear the infection. Avoiding tobacco products is key to helping your body fight the infection. It is not curable in all cases, however. This is why regular screening is so important!”
Should adults over 55, who never received the vaccine, get vaccinated?
“The HPV vaccine is only approved until the age of 45. Here’s why.”
Flywheel Open House Hard Hat Tours | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 3-5 p.m. | Flywheel, 705 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville | Free | Get a sneak preview of Flywheel’s newest location — a partnership with Hartness Development, Poinsett Partners, and Furman University.
Tap and Talk Networking | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Craft Axe Throwing, 1320 Hampton Ave., Ste. 5A, Greenville | Free entry | Meet new people and exchange ideas over drinks.
Thursday, Feb. 29
Small Business Resources | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 3:30-5 p.m. | Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl., Greenville | Free | Discover library system resources for starting and supporting small businesses.
The Righteous Brothers: Thank You, Farewell Tour | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville | $45-$75 | Take a journey through decades of hits from heartwarming ballads to energetic rock anthems.
Friday, March 1
Live Music: Brother Oliver | Friday, March 1 | 7-9 p.m. | Fireforge Crafted Beer, 311 E. Washington St., Greenville | Free entry | Rock out with this SC-based musical duo.
Saturday, March 2
Vision and Spirit | Saturday, March 2-Sunday, June 2 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe St., Greenville | $9-$12 | Enjoy this exhibition composed of 100+ paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and mixed media works by 48 renowned African American artists.
Bubbly Side Up! A Brunch Festival | Saturday, March 2 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Events at Judson Mill, 701 Easley Bridge Rd., Greenville | $50-$75 | Snag tickets to this egg-celent event to enjoy unlimited sweet and savory brunch dishes, plus as many mimosas and bloody marys as you can responsibly drink.*
Can you say “shopping spree?” Mill Village Ministries market, Village Launch, will be back in May. On the first Saturday of the month through December, you can shop local teas, candles, and skincare from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Upstate Business Journal)
Announced
Grammy-nominated artist Samantha Fish is coming to the Peace Center on Sunday, April 21. Snag tickets this Friday, March 1 at 10 a.m. to see the artist known for her guitar skills and soulful voice
Cause
Upstate International — a local non-profit that “works to empower people and businesses of all nations” — kicks off its 11th annual Upstate International Month on Friday, March 1 with events like a culturally relevant food drive + celebrate women in music. (Greenville Journal)
Eat
Fork and Plough is hosting a bourbon dinner on Sunday, March 24 at 5 p.m. Sip on a greeting cocktail + enjoy a four-course dinner with bourbon pairings. Waiting too long to get your ticketsseems pretty whiskey.
Drink
New Realm Brewing, meet Greenville. You may remember us telling you about the Atlanta-based brewing company moving to the former Old Cigar Warehouse space. While we don’t know an opening date, according to New Realm’s Instagram page, its brewing equipment is headed this way.
Real Estate
$4.4 million. That’s how much the 7,000-square-foot custom home — located at 300 Hillside Church Rd. in Fountain Inn — is listed for. The home boasts a four-car garage, white oak floors, a built-in entertainment center, and a chicken coop. Sadly, no chickens were listed in the amenities. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Art
Paint with all the colors of the wind fabric. Fabric artist + children’s book illustrator Salley Mavor’s work is on display at the Upcountry History Museum now through Thursday, Sept. 5. Take a peek at her artwork featuring fabric, embroidery, and found objects. (Greenville Journal)
Asked
Are you feeling lucky? Is your business hosting a St. Patrick’s day event that we should know about? Submit it to our events calendar. Need a refresher on how to do that? We’ve got you.
Celebrate with the “Easter Bunny Bliss” family package at The Omni Grove Park Inn — featuring themed events like cookie decorating + a family movie screening, plus a $150 food and beverage credit, complimentary parking, and a keepsake item. (Pro tip: Don’t miss the lavish brunch or a photo with Major Bunny.)*
Finance
Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate monthly payments.*
Community
Hey, we’re paving here
Greenville County paving crews start the 2024 season
Talk about paving the way. | Photo via Greenville County
Paving is prioritized by road conditions to maximize resources. The areas with the most deterioration will be restored first.
Which roads are considered?
Every county road is considered and the county uses a “data-driven” approach to schedule projects. You can also submit a paving request, but this doesn’t guarantee inclusion in the plan.
How do we know what’s next?
The annual paving plan is published online. You can see which roads are on the list, the paving schedule, and which roads have already been completed.
And we thought Greenville couldn’t get any smoother.
The Buy
The Buy 2.28.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Your must-have Stanley Quencher accessory (yes, water bottle accessories are a thing). There are straw cover caps, personalized name plates, water bottle carrier bags, and even a snack bowl that fits around your Stanley.
I consider myself incredibly lucky because I live ~2 minutes from Fork and Plough. DYK in addition to a menu that changes daily you can also shop for local produce, wine, and pre-made meals? You’re welcome.
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