|
| |
Human Papillomavirus |
| |
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus which infects humans. Some of its effects are classed as sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Scientists have identified more than 100 strains of HPV, most of which are harmless. Some can produce common skin warts on the hands and feet. About 30 strains are spread through sexual contact; some can cause visible genital warts, while others can cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers.
HPV is by far the most common sexually transmitted infection. It is estimated that 80% of sexually active adults have been infected with one or more genital HPV strains at some time.[1]
The vast majority of infected people suffer no ill effects and never even know that they have been infected, but may be able to infect others. The immune system typically clears the virus from the body within a year, after which the person will be immune to that particular HPV strain.
|
|
