Just a question that's been bugging me.

When a good immune system takes only a week to two weeks to get rid of a common cold, why does it take so long to get rid of something like HPV (6 months to two years). I mean, I know HPV like many viruses can go dormant in nerve endings etc but the body obviously know its there (it itches) and it must send out T-Cells to the area the warts are located. Why is it not then kaboom to the virus?

Sorry to be so simple and I appreciate the answer to this is probably far more complex than I am making out but I would be grateful for any answers.

Have been taking vitamin supplements in the hope that my immune system might get a little more with it and kill the genital hiroshima's a bit faster

Hi Sonica,

Great question. HPV is different from, say, herpes in that it lives in fairly deep, "basal" skin cells rather than nerve endings. HPV does a good job of hiding from the immune response, then.
Fortunately most cases do clear eventually but you're right in that it can be frustrating because there's no way to predict just when that might happen.

Fredo

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