AboutJohn Thai, MD Expertise Any questions on Infectious Diseases (All sexually transmitted infections as well as other diseases), Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, birth control methods, safe sex methods, procedures (i.e. cystoscopy, pap smear, HPV management techniques including laser and surgical treatments for anorectal warts, etc), HIV coinfections with hepatitis B/C, effects of illicit drug use, and general medical problems. All questions will be answered appropriately... non-biased, non-discriminatory, and open-minded.
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Expert: John Thai, MD Date: 4/25/2008 Subject: children and hpv1
Question my older sons friend was recently diagnosed w/ hpv1. tonight my 5 yr. old drank out of a bottle the child was carrying. and i panicked. what are the chances my baby boy could catch this disease? plese get back with me .
thank you,
farrah, a worried mom
Answer Hi Farrah,
Please calm down as there's not much to worry about them sharing drinks. HPV 1 is very common. This is the type that is usually found on the foot. But it could be found on other areas of the body. Many people get it from walking barefoot at school, playgrounds, salons, doing pedicures for another person, or locker room which is notorious for transmission. I usually recommend buying flip flops or slippers for kids to wear inside the locker rooms. But this is not always possible as the kids fear of being harassed.
He has more of a chance getting it while walking around a dirty sweaty playground barefoot than from sharing a drink. He physically has to rub his skin directly onto the wart of the other child for the virus to spread.
I honestly believe the other child's pediatrician already taken care of the wart by freezing it with nitrogen or other methods. Otherwise, you would have not known that he had HPV 1. There are also over the counter treatments but it is recommended for young children.
Lastly, I hope you would not discuss the other child's condition with anyone else, especially other parents or children. You could express your concerns with the parent of the child affected only. Although I am not an attorney, I do know that many states have laws protecting children and their rights to medical privacy.
