Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is when people at very high risk for HIV take HIV medicines daily to lower their chances of getting infected. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed, but it is much less effective when not taken consistently.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is a way to prevent HIV infection after a recent possible exposure to the virus.
Post Exposure prophylaxis is offered for sexual exposure and injection drug exposure only if treatment can be started within 72 hours of exposure. Prompt evaluation by a provider is strongly recommended to start treatment before this time interval has passed.
Information about PEP from CDC:
more at Hiv.govViral Suppression
10 Things to Know About HIV Suppression - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIAID Now, November 14, 2017
Updating HIV Viral Suppression Messages - HIV.gov