What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that has become one of the most common STDs in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States. While HPV infections aren't always noticeable, they can lead to serious health problems, including cancer. Unfortunately, HPV is often passed from person to person, and many do not know they have it. This blog post will explain what you need to know about HPV, its effects on your health, and how to take legal action against an infected partner who didn't disclose their STD status.
What is HPV and How Does It Spread?
HPV is a virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the body. There are over 100 different types of HPV viruses, some of which are considered high-risk because they can cause cancer, while others can cause warts on the genitals, mouth, or throat. HPV spreads by skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her child during childbirth.
HPV Symptoms and Health Effects
Many HPV infections go unnoticed because HPV symptoms can be subtle, and the virus may clear up. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts, a persistent infection, or cancer. Therefore, it's essential to get regular checkups that include Pap tests, which can detect the early signs of cervical cancer. HPV can also cause other types of cancer, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and throat.
Taking Legal Action and Hiring an STD Lawyer
When an individual contracts an STD, consent to sexual activity is no longer valid because the infected person has failed to disclose their status, lawsuits related to STD transmission are mainly based on negligence, intentional torts, or fraud, making it possible to hold someone accountable for failing to disclose their STD status before engaging in sexual activity. If you believe you contracted HPV from an infected sexual partner who failed to disclose their status and acted negligently, you may have the right to seek legal compensation. By hiring an experienced STD lawyer, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Preventing HPV
The most effective way to prevent HPV is by getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine can prevent infection with the types of HPV known to cause most cancer cases and genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for boys and girls in their preteen years and young women and men who did not get vaccinated when they were younger. Additionally, using condoms during sexual activity can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, although it does not eliminate the risk.
Contact an STD Lawyer Today
HPV is a prevalent STD in the United States that can have significant health consequences, including cancer. If you contracted HPV from a partner who failed to disclose their status, you might have legal recourse against them. By hiring an experienced STD lawyer, you can seek compensation for your damages, such as medical expenses and lost income. It's critical to be informed and assertive in protecting yourself, physically and legally, regarding HPV and other STDs.
Call KMD Law at (833) 456-3529 for a free, confidential consultation.
