I just found out that my sister has hpv. Can I get it just by living with her and sharing common things?

Question

I am freaking out. I am terrified of std's and getting them. This might sound like a stupid question to some but is there anyway I could get the infection because we share the same bathroom. She has told me before that sometimes she uses my towel but she doesn't tell me this until after I use it again and I am freaking out. Please give me any information you can. If this can be transmitted by sharing the same bathroom or sharing towels. I am extremely nervous. All advice or knowledge is appreciated.

For the guy who told me I should be ashamed of myself, I didn't tell her about this. I'm asking a question confidentially online. I was not rude to her in anyway. And for the guy who said I was probably already exposed to it, I doubt it considering I am only 16 and haven't had sex before.

Answer 1

That is a sexually transmitted disease, from my understanding, but you can get it from the fluids. Hence a mother can pass it to a child she is giving birth to.

I think you should look into forcing your sister not to share your things, and always have your own bath things when you go in, whether you left some in the bathroom or not, just coz she is so thoughtless about your feelings and health.

Answer 2

The only thing that you do need to be careful of is sharing towels. A wet towel is a haven for infections, and if you use it after her, there is a chance of spreading the infection. You need to let her know that you have to use separate towels. You might consider keeping your towel in your room if she tends to use it without your permission if it's in the bathroom. Other than that, you don't need to worry.

Answer 3

HPV - human papillomavirus, also known as venereal warts.

it is sexually transmitted. there has never been one case of anyone ever getting any transmitted disease from sitting on a toilet.

personally, i would always use my own towel. perhaps u should keep it in ur room.

i wouldn't worry about it. but, if u are really that upset, go to the health clinic and ask them to test u.

best wishes to you both.

Answer 4

You can't get it from living together or sharing a bathroom. However, you shouldn't use a towel that she has used to dry her genitals...that could potentially transmit the virus to you, not to mention it's gross. But, sharing a handtowel and such will not give you the virus.

Answer 5

HPV is a very common virus. Chances are, you have already been exposed previously and your immune system took care of it. But unless you and your sister are bumping uglies, there is virtually no risk of transmission.

If you are worried, go get the vaccine.

Answer 6

It is an STD, a sexually transmitted disease, transmitted only by sexual contact. If sharing towels make you nervous, keep them separate, and ask her to follow your request.

Answer 7

Let me get this straight -- your sister (who you are supposed to love) gets a diseaase -- and this is all about you? You should be ashamed of yourself.

It is called a Sexually Transmitted Disease because you get it by having sex. Avoid having sex with her & you should be OK. See the web link below for more information.

Answer 8

You can find some information at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm and also at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/sexinfections/sti/389.html. I'm sure you're very nervous but arm yourself with the facts and you will feel better.

Answer 9

std's are called std's because they are TRANSMITTED SEXUALLY. you can not get one from sharing a towel or any bathroom item. they can only be transmitted through body fluid. herpes is one you could get if someone had it and was using your toothbrush but since she doesn't have that its ok.

Answer 10

no, there is no way for you to pick it up from her like that. You should webmd.com getting info.