Prairie Doc Perspective Week of October 27th, 2024

What do warts, pap smears, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, and a vaccine all have in common? Three letters: HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause growths on skin and mucous membranes. There are over one hundred different types of HPV, and while some cause common warts, others can cause cancer.

HPV may be spread by skin to skin contact. The virus can enter your body through even the smallest tear in your skin. Warts caused by HPV can be contagious, either through direct contact with a wart or when someone touches something already touched by a wart. Genital or o...