Post-exposure prophylaxis of HIV
Post-exposure prophylaxis of HIV
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a specific intervention implemented after possible exposure to HIV infection. Post-exposure prophylaxis is widely used in the health-care sector by health-care workers for “emergencies”. However, experts also recommend PEP after unsafe sex.
Post-exposure prophylaxis includes:
- first aid
- counselling and risk assessment for infection
- HIV testing after obtaining informed consent
- medical prescription if therapy is needed
- continued medical follow-up.
First aid after possible exposure to HIV is the action that should be taken immediately after exposure. The goal is to reduce the time of exposure to infected bodily fluids (including blood) and tissues, and to properly manage the contact area to reduce the risk of infection.
Post-exposure chemoprophylaxis is the use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Currently, combinations of three ARVs are used for prevention. Specific drugs and regimens are prescribed by a doctor. PEP should be started as early as possible – immediately after confirmation of exposure to infection, no later than 72 hours after exposure, and should be taken for four weeks.
PEP is not 100 per cent effective, and does not provide guaranteed protection against HIV infection, it is aimed at reducing the likelihood of infection but does not eliminate the risk.
Please note that only a health-care professional can assess your risk of infection and prescribe post-exposure chemoprophylaxis.
If you believe you are at high risk of becoming infected after exposure to an HIV-positive person or someone whose status is unknown, please visit a health facility (hospital, family planning centre) or HIV care provider.
