PEP

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PEP

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) means taking medication after potentially being exposed to HIV, to prevent getting it. PEP is for emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider or emergency room doctor as soon as possible.

condoms

When used the right way every time, condoms—both male and female—are highly effective in preventing HIV. They also protect against many other STIs.

PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a pill to prevent HIV. Studies have shown that PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV if taken consistently.

PEP

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) means taking medication after potentially being exposed to HIV, to prevent getting it. PEP is for emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider or emergency room doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment

If your partner is living with HIV, encourage them to get and keep an undetectable viral load by getting and staying in care. Being “undetectable” means having a viral load so low that a test cannot measure it. It is the best thing for their overall health, and it means there is effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to you through sex.

It’s important for you and your partners to get tested and treated for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since having other STIs put you at higher risk for getting or transmitting HIV.

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