Aa
Oral HPV transmission
Hello Dr, hope you're having great holidays.
I suspect I might have asymptomatic oral HPV and I keep worrying about sharing utensils to the point that it is kinda becoming obsessive-compulsive and I am always worried about contagion. There are no warts inside my mouth, i just suspect an asymptomatic infection because i had a common filform wart on the outer skin below my lower lip which was burned a few months ago by my dermatologist so this wart could or could not have transmitted the HPV to inside my mouth.
1) So let's assume someone might have oral HPV. If their fork touches a spoon that another person is eating from, how likely is it that the other person will get oral HPV as well? Is it that easy to transmit oral HPV or that would be a far-fetched scenario? I also laughed in front of someone's face and have probably splattered some saliva on him (maybe on his lips?). Would that represent a threat of contagion to the other person knowing that he is someone immunosuppressed?
2) I know there have been studies supporting the fact that besides oral sex, oral HPV can also be transmitted by open-mouth kissing. But could it be highly likely to be transmitted through eating utensils or other casual contact or it usually requires perhaps a heavier or more repeated viral exposure for infection to happen?
Thank you very much.
I suspect I might have asymptomatic oral HPV and I keep worrying about sharing utensils to the point that it is kinda becoming obsessive-compulsive and I am always worried about contagion. There are no warts inside my mouth, i just suspect an asymptomatic infection because i had a common filform wart on the outer skin below my lower lip which was burned a few months ago by my dermatologist so this wart could or could not have transmitted the HPV to inside my mouth.
1) So let's assume someone might have oral HPV. If their fork touches a spoon that another person is eating from, how likely is it that the other person will get oral HPV as well? Is it that easy to transmit oral HPV or that would be a far-fetched scenario? I also laughed in front of someone's face and have probably splattered some saliva on him (maybe on his lips?). Would that represent a threat of contagion to the other person knowing that he is someone immunosuppressed?
2) I know there have been studies supporting the fact that besides oral sex, oral HPV can also be transmitted by open-mouth kissing. But could it be highly likely to be transmitted through eating utensils or other casual contact or it usually requires perhaps a heavier or more repeated viral exposure for infection to happen?
Thank you very much.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Risk of infection of transmission of any STD following a sexual exposure, IF exposed to an infected partner. EWH
Thank you for your reply. Just a final clarification regarding "there are NO STDs which are transmitted more than 50% of the time when exposures occur. In fact, the highest estimate I have ever heard (and I think this is too high) is 30-40%." Not sure I understood what those percentages represent: risk of infection in general after any exposure to any STD?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It saddens me to see that despite the reassurance from Dr. Handsfield and Dr. Jose you continue to worry (or to use your term "obsess"- that may be the correct term as well) about this. I agree with all that Drs. Handsfield and Jose have told you and would remind you that not only are filiform warts typically NOT causes by the same HPVs that cause genital and mucosal infections and, more importantly that there are NO STDs which are transmitted more than 50% of the time when exposures occur. In fact, the highest estimate I have ever heard (and I think this is too high) is 30-40%. You do not even know that you have oral infection and as you’ve been told repeatedly it is most likely that you do not.
1, HPV is transmitted by DIRECT, not indirect contact. Your concerns about transmission of spoons or other inanimate objects, or through saliva sprayed onto someone you are talking to are unfounded and unsupported.
2. I am not aware of the studies you mention and if they are correct, the occurrence of this sort of transmission is miniscule and not something appropriate for concern. Please see my comment about eating utensils above.
As you enter a new year, I would urge you to address your concerns, not through continuing worried and certainly not by searching the internet where much of the information found will be alarmist and incorrect and instead, to seek counseling or perhaps a mental health assessment to address your inappropriate fears. They cannot be good for you. I say this out of concern for you, nothing more. EWH
1, HPV is transmitted by DIRECT, not indirect contact. Your concerns about transmission of spoons or other inanimate objects, or through saliva sprayed onto someone you are talking to are unfounded and unsupported.
2. I am not aware of the studies you mention and if they are correct, the occurrence of this sort of transmission is miniscule and not something appropriate for concern. Please see my comment about eating utensils above.
As you enter a new year, I would urge you to address your concerns, not through continuing worried and certainly not by searching the internet where much of the information found will be alarmist and incorrect and instead, to seek counseling or perhaps a mental health assessment to address your inappropriate fears. They cannot be good for you. I say this out of concern for you, nothing more. EWH
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
