Blog: What's the difference between HPV, HIV, and HSV (herpes)?

Published: November 7, 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) are three of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Their symptoms, long-term health effects, and treatments are distinctly different. Knowing the differences between them is important for prevention and treatment.   

Similarities: Transmission and Lifelong Infections 

HPV, HIV, and HSV are all primarily transmitted through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that these viruses can spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. 

HPV is most commonly known for being transmitted through sexual contact, particularly penetrative sex. However, research shows that HPV can also be spread through non-sexual routes, including skin-to-skin contact and environmental surfaces. Studies have detected HPV on hands, medical instruments, and in various public environments, raising the possibility of transmission without sexual activity. HPV DNA has been found on objects like medical devices and even toilet seats, showing its potential for environmental persistence. This highlights the importance of hygiene and strict disinfection protocols to prevent the non-sexual spread of HPV?. 

HIV, while mainly transmitted through sexual contact, can be transferred through fluid or blood exposure, from mother to child during birth, and also through needle sharing. 

HSV is transmitted through sexual and skin-to-skin contact — including anally, orally or via genital contact.  

Once contracted, these infections can be lifelong. None of them can be completely cured. Each virus may exist in the body without producing more viruses or even symptoms. HPV can lie dormant in your system for years or even months before any symptoms — if any — ever occur.  An infected individual may carry and spread the virus without knowing. This "silent" transmission makes regular testing, vaccination, and the use of preventive measures like condoms and dental dams crucial to reducing the risk of spread. 

Differences: Symptoms, Health Effects and Treatment 

Despite their similarities, HPV, HIV, and HSV differ significantly in their biological characteristics, symptoms, and treatment. 

HPV 

According to the CDC, HPV is a group of over 200 related viruses with some strains causing genital and oral warts and others leading to six types of cancer — including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal (mouth and throat). A key preventive measure is the HPV vaccine, which has dramatically reduced the numbers of HPV infections worldwide. There is no treatment for HPV itself, but interventions are available for the conditions it causes. However, some of the treatments (such as the LEEP procedure, which is used to remove abnormal tissue on the cervix and test it for cancer) come with difficult side effects and may affect things like fertility, so prevention with the HPV vaccine at an early age is very important.) come with difficult side effects and may affect things like fertility, so prevention with the HPV vaccine at an early age is very important. 

HIV 

Unlike HPV and herpes, HIV's impact is primarily internal. The virus attacks the immune system, which plays a crucial role in defending the body against infections. The CDC warns that untreated HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), where the immune system becomes so compromised that the body cannot fight off even minor infections. HIV is managed through antiretroviral therapy, which can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, preventing its progression to AIDS and significantly reducing the risk of transmission. 

HSV 

Herpes is caused by two viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is often responsible for oral herpes, cold sores, and genital herpes, while HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. According to the CDC, herpes causes painful blisters or sores but can also have no visible symptoms. The infection is chronic, with the virus remaining dormant in the body and causing periodic outbreaks. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and decrease the likelihood of transmission. 

Prevention and Public Health Strategies 

In the case of herpes, consistent condom/dental dam use can reduce transmission risk —  though it is not foolproof, because the virus can be spread through areas not covered by a condom. The lack of a vaccine means that preventive efforts focus on reducing exposure and managing outbreaks in those who are already infected.  

Condom use, regular testing, and the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals are the common prevention techniques for HIV. According to a publication in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, needle exchange programs and other harm-reduction strategies also play a role in preventing HIV transmission through injection drug use.   

HPV is the only virus among the three with an available and proven vaccine, but big strides have been made toward an HIV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls before they come in contact with the virus, and the CDC recommends beginning the series at ages 11 or 12, though vaccination can start at age 9. 

All for Them is a vaccination initiative — funded by The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas — that assists schools in planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive immunization clinics to help students reach their vaccination milestones. We implement evidence-based approaches to increase HPV vaccine initiations and completion rates among medically underserved adolescents in Texas.  

Questions about the HPV vaccine or All for Them? Check out our list of frequently asked questions or reach out by calling 866-255-1811 or emailing [email protected]. Find a free vaccination clinic near you on our website. 

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