It is difficult to prevent the types of HPV infections that cause warts on the hands because they are common and spread easily. Wearing sandals in public bathrooms and locker rooms can help reduce the risk of contracting HPV that causes warts on the feet.

You can reduce your risk of contracting genital HPV infection, including the types that cause warts and the types that increase the risk of cervical cancer by:

• Choosing not to have sex (abstinence).
• Being in a mutually monogamous sexual relationship.
• Limiting the number of sexual partners you have.
• Choosing partners who have had few sexual partners themselves.
• Using a latex condom, which may prevent some but not all HPV transmission. Areas not covered by a condom can still be exposed to the virus.

There is also a vaccine called Gardasil available that can protect against contracting four types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16 and 18). Types 16 and 18 are together responsible for 70% of all cervical cancer cases, while types 6 and 11 are together responsible for nearly 90% of the cases of genital warts. The vaccine carries no risk of causing HPV infection and it is highly effective in preventing infection with these four types of HPV. The vaccine will not help you get rid of HPV infections you already have, but even if you have one high-risk type of HPV you probably do not have them all; thus the vaccine can help prevent infection with the types of HPV you do not already have.

The CDC recommends that the HPV vaccine be a part of the regular immunization schedule for 11- to 12-year-old girls. The vaccine consists of a series of three shots, with the second shot coming 2 months after the first and the third shot another 4 months later. It is best to get the vaccine before the start of sexual activity. The CDC also recommends the vaccine for girls and women aged 13-26 who have not yet been vaccinated. HPV vaccination is not currently recommended for boys or men but may be in the future.