It infects a staggering 85 percent of sexually active men and women at least once in their lifetime.
“HPV remains the most common sexually transmitted infection. Because it often shows no symptoms, people can spread it without realizing it,” explained Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, Country Medical Lead of MSD in the Philippines. Others infect mucous membranes or surfaces lining body parts that open outside, such as the genitals, anus, throat, and mouth. The latter is called genital HPV. This type can be transmitted via vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse, or rarely by genital to genital contact without actual sex.
Parents are also encouraged to talk to their pediatricians and take advantage of school-based immunization programs for free shots.