[Question #5396] HPV risk
75 months ago
|
Please let me know what are the chances of getting infected with Human papillomavirus by kissing and touching/rubbing body with infected part?
![]() |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
75 months ago
|
Welcome back, but sorry you found it necessary, since Dr. Hook answered this in your previous thread about 3 weeks ago. As he explained, no STDs are transmitted by kissing, hand-genital contact, or other body contact. That includes HPV. They're called sexually transmitted diseases for good reason: no sex (intercourse) means no risk.
---
---
HHH, MD
------
---
75 months ago
|
Thanks I’m worried since many online results show HPV spreads through oral sex, will you suggest any STD screening?
![]() |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
75 months ago
|
Oral sex probably can transmit HPV, but much less easily than vaginal or anal sex. But everybody gets HPV anyway -- most people have several infections during their sexually active years. Happily, most infections do no harm. Since it can't be avoided, why worry? Just get vaccinated to avoid 90% of the importatn health outcomes.
If you have not had unprotected vaginal or anal sex, you do not need any STD screening. If you have had such sex, get tested for gonorhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. No other STD testing is necessary.
---
75 months ago
|
Can I get vaccinated for HPV at this time?, I’m 27 years old.Thanks for your responses.
![]() |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
75 months ago
|
Yes, you can. However, at your age, the likelihood of new HPV infections may be low; and you likely have already been infected with at least some of the 9 HPV types covered by the vaccine. But vaccination is entirely safe and will prevent infection with (and complications from) those HPV types you have not yet had. Everyone under age 26 definitely should be vaccinated, ideally in childhood or early teen years (before first having sex). It's optional beyond age 26. Discuss with your doctor.---
75 months ago
|
I remember taking Hepatitis B vaccine in childhood, will that protect from HPV as well? . Sorry if my question seems weird.
![]() |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
75 months ago
|
All vaccines protect only against one type of infection. Hep B vaccine only prevents hepatitis B.
We're past the usual limit of two follow-up comments and replies included with each question, so that concludes this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful.
---