What is post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?

What is post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?

• A. A course of HIV medicines for 28 days to prevent infection
• B. A vaccine
• C. Antibiotics for 7 days
• D. No treatment is necessary

Answer: (A)

Post-exposure prophylaxis is a treatment given after a possible HIV exposure to lower the chance of becoming infected. It consists of taking HIV medicines for around 28 days, started as soon as possible after the exposure (ideally within 72 hours). Completing the full 28-day course is important because it provides the best chance to prevent infection, even though it doesn’t guarantee protection and there can be side effects. This is not a vaccine, which aims to build immunity before exposure, and it’s not antibiotics, since HIV is a virus. If exposure occurs, seek prompt medical evaluation to determine if PEP is appropriate and to start it quickly.

Post-exposure prophylaxis is a treatment given after a possible HIV exposure to lower the chance of becoming infected. It consists of taking HIV medicines for around 28 days, started as soon as possible after the exposure (ideally within 72 hours). Completing the full 28-day course is important because it provides the best chance to prevent infection, even though it doesn’t guarantee protection and there can be side effects. This is not a vaccine, which aims to build immunity before exposure, and it’s not antibiotics, since HIV is a virus. If exposure occurs, seek prompt medical evaluation to determine if PEP is appropriate and to start it quickly.