Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that cause skin warts, genital warts and some cancers.
Many different types of HPV can affect different parts of the body. Some of these types can infect the genital area. Warts on other parts of the body, such as the hands, are caused by different HPV types.
HPV types that can cause genital warts or cervical cancer can be spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact during all types of sexual activity with a person who has the virus.
Anyone who has ever had sexual contact could have HPV – it is so common that four in five people will have had genital HPV infection at some time in their lives. Most genital infections with HPV do not cause any symptoms and people do not know they have the infection.
HPV infection caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 is vaccine preventable. Types 16 and 18 are linked with cervical cancer. Types 6 and 11 are associated with genital warts.
Vaccination is recommended for routine school program immunisation for 12-13 year old girls to help prevent cervical cancer. Free vaccine is available for 13 to 18 year old girls in schools and 18-26 year old women through general practice and community based programs. For more information see Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program.
Page last modified: 17 September, 2007