HPV and Your Immune System
The World Health Organisation (WHO) found that immunosuppressed people are more likely to have persistent HPV infections and a more rapid progression to precancerous lesions and cancer.
Here are some ways to keep your immune system healthy:
- Don’t smoke and if you do, try to quit. Smoking is detrimental to the immune system making it harder for the body to fight HPV
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables
- Exercise regularly: choose an activity that you enjoy as you will be more likely to keep it up and maintain a healthy weight
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- Try to minimise stress
A healthy immune system is more likely to clear a HPV infection within 18 months.
Sources of information*:
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer
- https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/what-increases-my-risk-of-cervical-cancer
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
*Premier Wellbeing is not connected with or endorsed by any of the organisations listed in the sources of information above. The information used to write this lifestyle tips article was obtained from these sources in June 2021.