High risk HPV on smear

[Potatocrisp]

I had a smear test just over a month ago and got a letter from my GP which is inviting me back in a years time as my smear "showed evidence of high risk HPV but no changes to the cells in your cervix"
The letter says that your immune system will clear it up and will cause no problems. I had the cervical cancer vaccine whilst at school which I thought prevented this. My last smear was clear as were those previous.
Should I be worried?
I don't understand how I got this either, I've been with my husband for years, I understand that everyone has it and it can be dormant but why has it suddenly activated(or whatever term is needed?)

I got this result last year too. I have an appointment next week for the follow up smear. It seems to be quite common so hopefully this one will be clear.

I sad actually a bit taken aback reading the letter. I hope all goes well for you next week and everything is back to normal.

We don't really know why it suddenly comes back, it just does. Your immune system could have been suppressing it to undetectable levels (where it also isn't doing any harm) for years. Usually you'll clear it, before it causes cell changes.
The vaccines originally prevented a few of the high risk strains but not all, they added more strains to the newer ones but even then, no vaccine is 100% effective (most range from 60-90%).
Hopefully it will go on its own, try not to worry about it as stress isn't good for your immune system. Eat well, exercise, don't smoke.

I'm pretty sure it was pregnancy that caused my most recent flare up
I must have had the virus for over 20 years now

Hello potatocrisp!
I know this is an older thread of yours and i hope you’re doing well. I bet the 12 months for a repeat smear feels like ages
You mentioned dormant HPV. Do you still have your result letter? Did it mention dormant HPV in that please? Thanks 💛