There is a lot of talk these days about HPV – from television ads that talk about vaccinations for young women about the HPV virus – to rumors that it is a sexually transmitted disease like HIV/AIDS and can kill you. it is important for a teen to be armed with a lot of good, accurate information about HPV.

1. HPV is the “human papillomavirus”. you may have heard that it is just a virus that causes warts. That is only half true. The term “papillomavirus” does indeed refer to any one of several strains of the virus that causes warts. when someone gets an outbreak of warts on their hands or feet, that is caused by HPV. But other strains of HPV cause warts, or “lesions” in other areas of the body, such as on the genitals or even internally where they are never seen but may over the long term cause more serious health problems.2. HPV is not the same thing as HIV/AIDS. it is a different virus altogether, and results in different consequences and damages to the body. there are more than 250 separate strains – or types – of the HPV virus. each of these strains behaves differently from the others; in its own unique way it replicates itself and acts upon your body. In most cases it goes away by itself, but in the case of a few strains, it can leave long-term damage. Sometimes, in some people, this damage can eventually lead to cancer.3. HPV often shows no symptoms, but it can be easily passed from one person to another. In the case of the strains which cause common warts, the carrier might or might have an active infection visible on their skin. They can spread it to another person by touching that person, or even by touching something that another person might touch. The HPV virus can live on cold, dry surfaces for days. this means that you should keep in mind when you use a public restroom facility, or when you walk across a public shower room barefoot, that you are taking a risk. keep yourself safe from infection by avoiding contact with surfaces which may be contaminated; cover a public toilet seat before using it, and wear flip-flops in a show room.4. If you are sexually active, practice smart sex and safe sex, every time you engage in sexual contact. this means that you should be aware of some basic facts: the Pill will not protect from STDs; you cannot tell if your partner has HPV and you partner may not know whether they have it; condoms offer some protection, but not completely; you can acquire HPV through oral sex or anal sex, and these strains can lead to serious health issues.5. If your partner tells you that they do not have HPV, ask if they are a virgin. Because being a virgin (and that includes never having engaged in oral or anal sex) is the only sure way to know you don’t have HPV! If you cannot be certain that your partner is a virgin, always assume that there may be HPV virus present, and protect yourself through safe sex!

HPV Health is dedicated to bringing you the most current information on HPV. We are dedicated to helping you. for more information on symptoms and treatments visit HPV.

Terms of Use your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. see the FAQ for more information. Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. please see the Response Form for more information. For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. the information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright © 2010 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  all Rights Reserved.    the contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission.

I am crazy when it comes to being sick. I hate being sick. I take medicine as soon as I get ANY cold symptoms. my mom says that taking cough syrup with just minor symptoms damages my immune system. She says that my immune system depends for that medicine.

Also, last year I got sick 5 times… each a different illness. (strep, stomach flu, the regular flu, etc.)

Thanks!!!