Is it easy to get HPV when taking a hot spring bath? Doctors explain

In the dead of winter, hot springs and bathing have become the choice of many people to relax and have fun. Some netizens have raised questions about whether bathing in public baths will infect people with HPV and gynecological diseases.

Gu Fang, chief physician of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, said that as long as the disinfection and hygiene of the hot spring venues meet the standards, the chance of contracting HPV and gynecological diseases is very low.

CCTV.com "News+" reporters contacted several bathing centers and hot spring venues and learned that the temperature of most hot springs or bathing pools is 40-45 degrees, and it is indeed possible for viruses and bacteria to remain in this temperature range.

However, Gu Fang introduced that HPV virus is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, and contact transmission and vertical transmission (mother-to-child transmission) are relatively rare. If the water contains the virus, it is indeed possible to come into contact with the virus and carry it through the skin or mucous membranes; only when there are tiny cracks in the skin and mucous membranes will it be easy for the HPV virus to invade the human body and cause infection.

"News+" reporter: Is it really easy to get infected with HPV or gynecological diseases by going to a public bath or hot spring bath?

Gu Fang: The full name of HPV is human papillomavirus, which mainly infects the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. HPV viruses are divided into high-risk HPV and low-risk HPV. They are mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, but can also be transmitted through contact and vertical transmission (mother-to-child transmission).

High-risk HPV is associated with cervical precancerous lesions, such as high-grade vulvar and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and cervical cancer, while low-risk HPV is associated with some wart-like lesions of the skin or mucous membranes, as well as low-grade vulvar and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

HPV virus likes warm and humid environments. Sometimes when the skin is damaged, if it comes into contact with the HPV virus, direct or indirect contact transmission may occur.

However, the chances of contracting HPV through daily contact, such as going to a public bath or taking a hot spring bath, are very low, including the chances of contracting gynecological diseases. As long as the disinfection and hygiene of the hot spring venues meet the standards, the chances of contracting gynecological diseases and HPV infection are very low.

"News+" reporter: Is there a risk of bacterial infection when bathing in a public bath?

Gu Fang: If the disinfection conditions of the bathing place we go to are not up to standard, or if we go to a public bath with a lot of people, there may be a risk of infection. Some pathogens that are prone to infection may include Trichomonas vaginitis, candidal vaginitis (vulvovaginal candidiasis) and HPV.

In addition, urinary tract infections are also more common in women.

"News+" reporter: In what situations is it not recommended for women to take a bath?

Gu Fang: First of all, it is not recommended for women to take a hot spring bath during menstruation and the three days before and after menstruation. This is mainly because women's resistance is relatively weak during menstruation. During this special period, the cervix is ​​slightly open. Taking a bath at this time will increase the chance of infection.

Second, women with damaged skin, skin allergies, or those who are in the acute infection period are not recommended to take a hot spring bath.

Third, it is not recommended for women in the early or late stages of pregnancy to take a bath, because during pregnancy, the physiological and immune status of the pregnancy are relatively poor, and taking a bath may increase the risk of infection.

In addition, we do not recommend hot spring bathing for people with unstable blood pressure or severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

"News+" reporter: What should I do if I want to take a hot spring bath but am afraid of infection? How can I take a hot spring bath in a healthy way?

Gu Fang: First of all, I suggest you go to a regular and disinfected hot springs hall, where the cleanliness of the baths is relatively high. I suggest you choose a public bath with few people and good sanitary conditions.

Secondly, try to bring your own towels and clothes, and reduce the use of items and clothes in public baths or public environments.

In addition, the bathing time should not be too long, about 15 minutes is more appropriate. After 15 minutes, it is recommended to take a break. During the break, replenish water in time and drink more warm water. Clean up in time after the hot spring.

Finally, strengthening immunity in daily life can also help reduce the risk of infection.