What Is PrEP?
Video Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP, is a medicine that can significantly reduce your chances of getting HIV. When taken every day, PrEP can reduce the chances of contracting HIV through sex by more than 90%, and by drug injection by 70%.
Who Should Use PrEP?
Daily use of PrEP is recommended for HIV-negative individuals that may have a high risk of contracting HIV. These include: people who recently had an STD, those with HIV-positive partner(s), gay/bisexual men, sex workers, those who inject drugs, and those who have unprotected sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown.
What Is PEP?
Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is an emergency medication given to prevent HIV after potential exposure. It must be started within 72 hours of the suspected exposure, and timing is key – every hour counts. Once prescribed, you’ll need to take it every day for 28 days.
PEP is for emergencies only and is not a substitute for other HIV prevention methods, such as condoms or PrEP.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Exposed To HIV?
If you’ve been exposed to HIV within the past couple of days, you should get emergency treatment, called PEP, immediately. If started within 72 hours of exposure, PEP can help prevent HIV infection. You can access PEP through Southwest Viral Med or, if after clinic hours, please don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room or urgent care.
If the exposure period has been longer than 72 hours, you will need to get tested for HIV. If your test is positive, discuss an HIV treatment plan with your medical provider. If your test is negative, you may want to consider PrEP in order to protect yourself from HIV infection in the future.
Where Can I Get PrEP In El Paso?
If you want to take charge of your sexual health and start PrEP, please reach out to us at Southwest Viral Med. We offer low-cost and free PrEP and HIV educational resources that can help keep you protected and informed.