Just like cancer, scientists are actively working to find the treatment of HIV. Even after primary prevention techniques, the spread of the disease has not been controlled properly that is not a good sign. With years of research and testing, scientists have been able to develop HIV PEP. It is also a type of primary prevention medication. Here we have everything you need to know about the mediation.

HIV PEP

PEP is the abbreviation for post-exposure prophylaxis. Prophylaxis means the prevention against the disease or infection. In the HIV PEP, the patient is given certain antiretroviral medications also known as ARV right after the possible exposure to HIV. It helps to prevent a person from becoming infected with HIV.

There are two types of HIV PEP

• HIV oPEP called the occupational post-exposure prophylaxis
• HIV nPEP known as the non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis.

HIV oPEP is the treatment used for the healthcare workers. They are often exposed to HIV because of needle injury or other issues. It is the simplest form of exposure that happens these days.

In case of HIV nPEP, it is the HIV that the person takes because of the reason outside of work. It commonly happens in the people that are not related to the healthcare profession. The common reason is the utilization of non-sterilized injections and instruments and sex.

How does HIV PEP works

It is important for the individuals to understand that how HIV PEP works. There are certain drugs in the treatment and your health care professional will prepare a proper treatment plan for you.

• The patient has to take 3 or more ARV medicines
• The duration of HIV PEP is almost 28 days
• You will have to visit your health care provider a few times during and after the PEP
• It is important that you complete your HIV testing after the PEP to find out the results

HIV PEP will stop the replication of the virus in your body before it can start affecting your immune system. Make sure that you get HIV PEP as soon as you think that you have the chances of development of the disease.

What to do if the virus has been established

The HIV virus takes a few days to establish in the human body and the HIV PEP has to be given before the virus has taken control over the DNA replication system of the body. In case you think that it has been a few days since you were exposed to HIV it is important that you visit the emergency of the HIV department of the hospital. The professional will conduct your tests to find out whether you suffering from the disease or not.

In case you are HIV positive, they will immediately start the treatment to assure that the virus is controlled and removed from your body before it can cause any severe damage. Remember that early diagnosis is the key because it can increase the chances of positive outcomes.