HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a very common virus, transmitted through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person, most commonly during sexual contact. HPV is not transmitted through hugging, sharing eating utensils, towels or public restrooms.
Most sexually active people will become infected at some point, but in most cases the infection clears up on its own. When it persists, the virus can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, which if left untreated can develop into precancerous lesions or cancer.