Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine
Open Access

Human Papillomaviruses

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most sexually active men and women being exposed to the virus at some point during their lifetime.

Here are some key points about human papillomavirus. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

Most sexually active men and women will contract the HPV virus at some point during their lifetime. HPV can be spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It can result in genital warts and some types of cancer. Sometimes, HPV can be transmitted during birth to an infant causing genital or respiratory system infections. There is no cure for HPV but safe and effective vaccinations are recommended at the age of 11 to 12 years.

Different types of HPV will have different symptoms. HPV viruses can lead to genital warts and cancer.

There is no treatment for the virus, but the symptoms can be treated.

Prevention is through the HPV vaccine.