What is the HIV prevention called after potential exposure?

What is the HIV prevention called after potential exposure?

• A. PrEP
• B. PEP
• C. Vaccination
• D. Antibiotics after exposure

Answer: (B)

Post-exposure prophylaxis is the HIV prevention used after potential exposure. It’s a short course of antiretroviral medications started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of exposure, and continued for 28 days. Initiating PEP quickly is key because it helps prevent the virus from establishing infection in the body. People on PEP should be tested for HIV before starting and again after completion, and they should receive counseling on risk reduction and follow-up care. PrEP is for people with ongoing risk taken before exposure, not after a known exposure. There is no HIV vaccine available, so vaccination isn’t a preventive option. Antibiotics after exposure won’t prevent HIV, whereas PEP uses antiretrovirals to block viral replication.

Post-exposure prophylaxis is the HIV prevention used after potential exposure. It’s a short course of antiretroviral medications started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of exposure, and continued for 28 days. Initiating PEP quickly is key because it helps prevent the virus from establishing infection in the body. People on PEP should be tested for HIV before starting and again after completion, and they should receive counseling on risk reduction and follow-up care.

PrEP is for people with ongoing risk taken before exposure, not after a known exposure. There is no HIV vaccine available, so vaccination isn’t a preventive option. Antibiotics after exposure won’t prevent HIV, whereas PEP uses antiretrovirals to block viral replication.