Awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2008 due to the discovery of the link between HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and cervical cancer, the German doctor Harald zur Hausen (left), 74, said in an interview with the G1 that knowledge about the danger from the virus needs be extended.

According to Dr. Hausen people take on average 15 to 20 years to notice the effects of the parasite in the body.

"Health workers, doctors, teachers and especially parents need to prepare young people to the dangers of viruses," Hausen says. "Early in the distribution of the first vaccines, much information was conveyed staggered about the side effects of immunization, but fortunately nothing has been confirmed."

HPV is responsible for lesions known as papillomas and in case of severe types, may cause malignant tumors not only in the genital areas such as vagina and penis, but also in the mouth, pharynx and anus.

Men suffer ill effects as well...

Hausen highlights that men in general are not aware of the danger of contracting the virus. For the doctor, it takes more responsibility on the part of males.

"Men need to understand that they also transmit and receive HPV," says the doctor. "This is a question of solidarity between genera, we must avoid practices that lead to infection."

According to the doctor, there are cases like the malignant tumor in the anus that appear more often in men than in women, manifested by the same type of HPV infection.

Steps toward eradication...

Currently, immunizations are not found in the public healthcare system and value applications by manufacturers is high. Hausen believes that it takes initiative on the part of federal health related to price reduction.

"It has been shown effective in some cases, but I believe that competition among firms, with more labs doing the vaccine would be ideal," says the doctor. "The values would fall automatically."

To the winner of the Nobel, the ideal age for vaccine administration would be between 9 and 14 years, with differences according to the health and behavior in countries.

"There is a chance to eradicate the virus through vaccinations, but it is necessary that they be administered in both men and women, preferably before the start of sexual activity," Hausen said.