Can human papillomavirus be transmitted through aerosolized particles, and are special respiratory precautions required for healthcare workers?

The short answer is that there is no credible evidence that human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted through aerosolized particles; transmission occurs almost exclusively through direct skin‑to‑skin or mucosal contact, most commonly during sexual activity, as well as through vertical transmission from mother to infant. Consequently, routine infection‑control measures that are already standard in health‑care settings (gloves, surgical masks, eye protection, and proper hand hygiene) are sufficient, and no special aerosol‑precaution is required for HPV. If you are a health‑care worker or are performing procedures that generate droplets (e.g., laser or electrocautery of HPV‑related lesions), continue to use standard personal protective equipment and follow local sterilisation protocols, but you do not need additional respiratory protection solely for HPV. Primary prevention remains vaccination with the approved HPV vaccine series (typically three doses for adults up to age 45, given at 0,1–2, and 6 months) and safe sexual practices, including condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners. If you suspect exposure through direct contact (e.g., a recent sexual encounter with a known HPV‑positive partner or contact with a wart), consider clinical evaluation and, if appropriate, testing for HPV DNA in lesions, but there is no role for screening based on presumed aerosol exposure. In summary, aerosol contamination is not a recognized route for HPV infection; focus on vaccination, safe sexual behavior, and standard infection‑control practices, and no extra respiratory precautions are needed.