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I was recently told that my pap smear came back as HPV changes. I spoke with a coworker and she became worried that I might give her HPV. I didn't think this was possible, but many sites say there are other nonsexual forms of transmission. I don't want my child to catch it from using the same toilet or wash cloth? Can I transmit HPV to my child or coworkers through nonsexual casual contact?
Vicente Colon, MD (Febuary 6, 2006):
HPV is a very human virus and very common. It is transmitted through direct contact with an active lesion that can occur anywhere in your skin or mucosas. If someone has genital warts, it does not mean that they will transfer it through a handshake, a hug or a kiss if they have no active lesions at the point of contact. The ability of HPV to infect the skin is not limited to the genitals but possible in other parts of the body where the skin has lost its integrity.
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Can I transmit HPV to my child or coworkers through nonsexual casual contact?