Emergency Help if Exposed to HIV
People who have been exposed to HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) can significantly reduce their chances of contracting HIV/AIDS. They can take a preventative treatment that helps a great deal. The treatment should begin as soon as possible—and definitely within 72 hours of exposure. If you need this, see a doctor immediately and ask for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatment. It can reduce your risk of contracting HIV by about 80%.
There is a medical treatment that reduces a person's chances of contracting HIV/AIDS if exposed to HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). A doctor can prescribe PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatment if there are enough indicators that a person could possibly have been infected with HIV. PEP is approved by the FDA and some doctors (though not all) will prescribe it. If a person asks a doctor for PEP and is denied, it may be wise to see another doctor for a second opinion.
PEP consists of two anti-retroviral drugs, which are the same ones given to people who are HIV-positive. Although there are no randomized clinical tests of its effectiveness, PEP appears to reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS by about 80%.
PEP involves a month-long period of treatment with anti-retroviral drugs which interfere with the replication of HIV particles inside the body. Unfortunately, the treatments produce the side effects of fatigue and intense nausea; but the benefits are likely to outweigh these costs if a person has been exposed to HIV.
Several states (such as California, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Mexico) have policies that encourage doctors to prescribe PEP to anyone in the general public (and not just to medical-care professionals) who might need the treatments.
For more information, phone the PEP Hot-line: 1 (888) 448-4911.