You can minimise your risk of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by practising safe sex and undergoing regular STD testing in Singapore. However, no matter how cautious you are, there is still a possibility that you may be exposed to the virus.
Aside from having unprotected sex, there are various ways for someone to contract HIV, such as receiving contaminated blood transfusions or using an HIV-contaminated injection needle.
If you suspect you have been exposed to the virus, you should seek the consultation of a health professional immediately. The doctor may then prescribe post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment to reduce your risk of contracting HIV significantly. But what is PEP? And why is this treatment recommended? If you are not familiar with this procedure, let us share some of the most important pieces of information that you should know about PEP.
What is PEP?
PEP, which stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, involves taking a course of antiretroviral (ART) medication after a possible exposure to HIV – typically within 72 hours of the alleged exposure. The aim of this treatment is to reduce your chances of getting infected with the virus.
Even though they are both preventive measures against HIV, PEP is different from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a preventive method adopted by those at high risk of contracting HIV. It is an ongoing treatment beginning even before one is exposed to the virus. In contrast, PEP is prescribed only after alleged exposure to HIV.
How does the treatment work?
It is recommended to undergo PEP treatment because it can help to prevent the transmission of HIV should you be recently exposed to the virus. So how does this treatment work? To understand that, we must first know how HIV spreads within a patient’s body.
When a person is infected with HIV, the virus enters the body and infects specific immune cells. It also replicates itself within the affected immune cells, which are then spread throughout the body. PEP interferes with the pathways that the virus uses to cause a permanent infection in the human body. Once HIV is detected within the body, the medication prevents the virus from duplicating within the person’s immune cells, preventing a permanent infection from occurring.
When is this treatment used?
Doctors may prescribe PEP when a person is exposed to HIV – either in an occupational or non-occupational capacity. For healthcare workers working in a high-risk environment, where they are exposed to blood and bodily fluids that may contain HIV, they may accidentally experience a needle-stick injury. Should such a scenario occur, they will be asked to undergo PEP treatment.
Those exposed to the virus in a non-occupational capacity, such as through unprotected sex with an HIV-positive sex partner or the sharing of needles for drug-related purposes, will also need to undergo PEP treatment within 72 hours after being exposed to the virus.
However, it is vital to note that PEP is prescribed only in emergencies, and it is not meant to replace other HIV prevention methods, such as using a condom. If you suspect you might be exposed to HIV regularly, you should consult a doctor about PrEP instead.
How effective is PEP?
Unfortunately, PEP does not prevent 100% of HIV infections. Nonetheless, if used correctly and consistently, it can be very effective at reducing your risk of getting permanently infected by the virus. Studies have shown that PEP can minimise a person’s risk of developing HIV by more than 80%. The effective rate can even be higher than 80% if treatment begins promptly and the medication is used correctly and consistently, as prescribed.
Conclusion
Exposure to HIV is unforeseeable. There are multiple ways a person can be infected with the virus beyond having unprotected sex with an HIV-positive patient. As such, it is imperative for you to take extra precautions to avoid transmission. If you suspect you may have been exposed to HIV, we recommend consulting a medical professional immediately, so they can prescribe PEP for you if it is suitable.
Additionally, it is best for you to undergo regular HIV testing at a trusted STD clinic to reduce your risk of contracting the virus. At Elyon Clinic, we understand that certain patients may value their privacy. As such, we provide a confidential screening process, so our patients can rest assured that they will be treated with the utmost discretion. If you are looking to arrange a health screening, do not hesitate to contact us at 6802 7208 to schedule an appointment today.
