HPV is spread by skin to skin contact during vaginal, anal and oral sex. It is possible to have an HPV infection present symptoms years after exposure. While human papillomavirus is commonly understood as a sexually transmitted disease, it does not require sexual activity to spread from person to person. In addition to sexual transmission, HPV can also be spread to individuals who sit down on or touch an infected surface. With that being said, HPV is most commonly spread through sexual intercourse and activity. As such, anyone who is sexually active can become infected with the human papillomavirus. Other risk factors for acquiring HPV include the following: - Age, as genital warts most commonly affect adolescents and young adults, while children often experience common HPV warts - Cuts, abrasions, or small punctures or openings in the skin - Physical contact with another person’s HPV warts - Multiple sexual partners - Weakened immune system