Essential Facts about HIV Prevention through PrEP and PEP:

Essential Facts about HIV Prevention through PrEP and PEP:

Let's Talk Depending on Mindful Meds: Dr. Joanne Stekler, an infectious diseases doc at the Madison Clinic, started treating HIV and AIDS patients back in the '90s when there was lots of stigma attached to being HIV-positive. Few treatments were available, but today, HIV is incredibly manageable—people taking meds can even reach an 'undetectable' level, making transmission unlikely. Here's what you should know about PrEP, PEP, and staying HIV-negative:

That HIV Prevention Thing: PrEP and PEP

There are two main medications for those at risk for HIV: PrEP and PEP.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a pill you take daily to avoid getting infected. Truvada, the first pill approved by the US FDA, is commonly used for PrEP. It reduces the risk of HIV during sex by over 99%. If you're at higher risk or in certain groups, consider talking to your doctor about PrEP.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), taken after potential HIV exposure within 72 hours, involves a 28-day course of antiretroviral drugs. However, PEP isn't always easy to find, and it's typically taken when you suspect you've been exposed to someone who's HIV-positive.

Who's at Higher Risk?

HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected vaginal or anal sex and needle sharing. Black and Latino men/transgender women who have sex with men, as well as injection drug users, are at a higher risk. It's not due to promiscuity, but rather population-based exposure.

Side Effects: What Could Go Wrong?

Most people experience only minor side effects from PrEP—gastrointestinal issues, headaches, weight loss, and exhaustion. Severe side effects are rare, but bone and kidney issues can occur with long-term use. Descovy, another pill recently approved for PrEP, doesn't have these side effects.

Where to Access Meds: Quest for PrEP and PEP

Your doctor is your best bet for PrEP, as it's offered at most clinics. Some states offer financial assistance for the drug. Finding PEP might be a bit trickier, since you may not know if you've been exposed to HIV. For either, go to an urgent care clinic, emergency room, or primary care physician if you think you're at risk.

HIV Prevention: The Future is Bright

The ultimate goal is to make PrEP as available and accessible as birth control. Stekler envisions various methods, like implantables, pills, vaccines, and gels, catering to diverse lifestyles. As stigma decreases and more options emerge, the future of PrEP shines bright. Let's talk—PrEP's not a taboo—it's a tool for sexual health.

Fun Facts and Figures:

• ART used to treat HIV reduces transmission chances to others [1].
• PrEP reduces HIV transmission risk during sex by approximately 99% and at least 74% for drug users [3].
• PEP isn't a two-drug regimen's match in preventing resistance [2][4].

[1] AVERT (2021). Antiretroviral therapy. https://www.avert.org/professional/hiv-treatment/art[2] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (2021). HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) After Sexual, Oral, or Vaginal Exposure to HIV (ClinicalInfo). https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/hiv-pep-after-sexual-oral-or-vaginal-exposure-hiv[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Using PrEP to Prevent HIV. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/brochure/prep-counter.html[4] Healthline (2020). HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/hiv-prep#prep-medication

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