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i have hpv (genital warts.) after i wash my towels and other laundry in the clothes washer should i use caution in taking the towels and other laundry out of the washer before putting the laundry into the dryer.. are the towels and other laundry still capable of transmitting the hpv virus after being washed?

Submitted: 24 days and 6 hours ago.

Category: Health

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Lisa, MSN, FNP-BC, CCRN 24 days and 6 hours ago.

Answer

Hello; Thank you for writing in today. This is a good question. For certain things, such as parasites, it is the dryer that actually helps to eradicate them. Now, as far as HPV is concerned, there is minimal to no risk after washing towels. The HPV virus needs a human host. HPV does not live well on it's own in the environment or on surfaces. Obviously, it is not a good idea to use anyone's dirty towels. However, as far as transferring the towels from the washer to dryer, there is no need for special precautions. I hope this helps to answer your question. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let me know. Lisa

24 days and 6 hours ago.

Reply

can the hpv virus live in soap suds left in the sink after washing hands or showering?

Accepted Answer

Hello; Thank you for responding. There are many different strains of HPV. Given the right environment circumstance, some HPV viruses can remain a capable of spreading. The right conditions include a moist environment. This is why HPV virus, such as plantar warts, can be spread in locker rooms. Therefore, showers, tubs, and any soapy/wet surface could still harbor the virus. However, the HPV virus that causes genital warts is not known to be transmitted this way. And, again, as for the washed towels there is still no real risk. I am going to include a link from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC is a leading authority on sexually transmitted diseases, including Genital Warts. This link will help to explain that genital wart associated strains of HPV and the transmission. http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HPV/common-clinicians/ClinicianBro.txt Lisa

Edited by Ms. Lisa on 10/27/2009 at 11:39 PM

Accepts:
Expert:	Lisa, MSN, FNP-BC, CCRN
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	10/27/2009

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