If you or someone you know has been exposed to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be an option. PEP is a short course of prescription medicines that can help prevent HIV from taking hold in the body. The #GetMeonPrEP STAR Program in Brooklyn, New York helps individuals get the assistance they need to understand and access PEP services. In this blog, we’ll discuss what PEP is, how it works, and why it’s important for those who are at risk for HIV infection.
What is Post-Exposure Prophylaxis?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a combination of antiretroviral medications taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your body. It requires a prescription from a doctor and should be started as soon as possible after potential exposure—ideally within 48 hours—for maximum effectiveness. It is not guaranteed to prevent infection but may significantly reduce the risk when taken correctly. Once prescribed, typically 28 days of treatment must be completed.
How Does PEP Work?
PEP works by preventing the replication of HIV in the body before it can become established and cause infection. It does not work in people already infected with HIV nor does it work if someone has already been exposed more than 72 hours prior to starting treatment. For best results, it should be started within 48 hours of potential exposure. The sooner you start taking PEP after possible exposure, the better your chance of avoiding infection with HIV.
Why Is PEP Important?
HIV remains one of the most serious public health concerns in both developed and developing countries around the world today. Every year approximately 1 million Americans are diagnosed with HIV, many due to unprotected sexual contact or sharing needles when using drugs intravenously. Getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and getting on PrEP can help protect you from becoming infected with HIV or transmitting it to someone else; however, if you have had an unprotected encounter or think you might have been exposed to the virus recently, then talking to your doctor about getting on PEP as soon as possible could help reduce your risk of contracting HIV considerably.
If you think you may have been recently exposed to HIV or are at high risk for contracting it due to lifestyle choices or behavior, then discussing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with your doctor can help reduce your chances of becoming infected if started within 48 hours of potential exposure. The STAR Program in Brooklyn NY offers free counseling on PrEP and PEP for adults age 18 and older, so take advantage of their resources today! Taking preventive measures like these can go a long way towards protecting yourself from contracting STI like HIV and ensure that you stay healthy for years to com
