hi - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

acer3036 · 01-18-2009, 10:57 PM

is hpv contagious through kissing or holding hands?

Pickle Eyes · 01-19-2009, 11:07 AM

From what I understand, no. The HPV you (and I) are talking about is high risk or low risk HPV which affects the genitals: vagina, vulva, cervix, anus, rectum, penis, mouth/throat. It is skin to skin contact of those organs which can transmit high risk and low risk HPV.

Drafly · 01-19-2009, 03:59 PM

I'm wondering if we will soon find out that HPV can be transmitted through kissing. Since HPV type 16 was shown to be present in 90% of the 25% of head/neck (oral) cancers then conceptually if you "french" kiss and touch an affected oral lesion this would then be skin to skin contact. It is frightening really just to think about.

Pickle Eyes · 01-19-2009, 07:55 PM

Dragonfly, I was wondering the same thing, too. I really think that the research for HPV will give a lot more information in the next 5-10 years because it seems to be more of a priority (or the research is just gaining momentum).

Thisby · 01-19-2009, 08:21 PM

Of course it is.

The virus lives on skin. Some strains like certain types of skin more than others but it can survive. If it can be passed around from foot to foot in public areas (plantars warts, still HPV) why wouldn't it live on the mouth long enough to pass from kissing? Or hand to hand?

Think about it, how do you think kids get them on their hands?