Peer Reviewed
Sexual health

Postexposure prophylaxis for HIV following sexual exposure

David J Templeton
Abstract

Individuals will often present to their GPs with concerns of HIV infection following a perceived risky sexual exposure. In such situations, an awareness of the infection risks, postexposure management and referral pathways is important.

Key Points

    Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a prevention strategy for HIV infection involving the provision of antiretroviral medications to individuals following a recent potential or definitive high-risk exposure to the virus. Following an assessment, two or three antiretroviral drugs can be prescribed to such individuals for a total of 28 days.

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