I think I was exposed to HIV. Is there anything
I can do about it now?
Yes. After having
a known exposure to HIV, such as being topped by an HIV+ guy and then the
condom breaks -- a guy can start PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, which
is a combination of anti-HIV medications.
The important thing is that
these medications have to be started as soon as possible, within 72 hours after exposure. Most emergency
rooms and doctors know about PEP and can prescribe it. It's not one
dose -- you have to take meds for a month and they can make you ill
-- so we don't recommend it except in real emergencies. And we certainly don't recommend anyone thinking of PEP as a 'morning after pill.'
PEP is usually not provided to people who have
been exposed to HIV through oral sex. Oral sex carries a very, very
low risk of HIV transmission.
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