HIV Infection Risks

What do you need to know about Post-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV is a preventive treatment for individuals who may have been exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) within the last 72 hours. It’s crucial to start PEP as soon as possible after exposure for it to be most effective.
 
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV is recommended for individuals who have had a recent potential exposure to HIV through activities such as:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse with someone known to be HIV-positive or of unknown HIV status.
• Needle-sharing with someone known to be HIV-positive or of unknown HIV status (e.g., in the context of injection drug use).
• Occupational exposure to HIV-infected blood or body fluids, such as needle sticks or other sharps injuries, mucous membrane exposure, or non-intact skin exposure.
   
  However, the decision to initiate PEP should be made on a case-by-case basis by a healthcare provider, considering factors such as the type of exposure, the HIV status of the source individual.
  PEP is Emergency only. It should not be used as a substitute for other means of prevention.
  PEP should ideally be started less than 4 hours and no later after 72 hours after exposure. You will need to take a pill once daily for 28 days. Since it needs to be prescribed, you should get in touch with our doctor and team if you believe that you may have been exposed to HIV. PEP is for emergency use only, if you find yourself using it multiple times, please contact our staffs about taking PEP.