Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment that consists of the medication of antiretroviral drugs, to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. Many people can be exposed to HIV, either because they were accidentally pricked in a laboratory, or because they had sex with someone who was infected.
The truth is that through this treatment contagion is avoided; Of course, it must be started as soon as possible, after having been in contact with the infectious agent. This treatment can last four weeks, which can be occupational, for people who work in health centers and non-occupational, for those within the scope of sexual relations and drug use.
PPE should be administered no later than 72 hours after having contact with the virus; If the 72 hours have already passed, the application of PEP is not advisable, however this is at the discretion of the doctor, he will be the one who will assess whether the risk of exposure to HIV is more or less serious.
Although the efficacy of this medication has not been evidenced in clinical trials, it has been applied with positive results in the occupational population, that is, in people exposed to HIV during the practice of their professional activity (doctors, nurses, assistants laboratory, etc.)
This type of exposure within the plan work, usually only happens once. On the other hand, there are people who due to their behavior or lifestyle can be at risk of contagion on many occasions. Therefore, it is important to note that PEP should not be taken as an easy method to prevent the spread of HIV.
There are many reasons that show that the application of PPE is not a good option in those cases that are not occupational, some of them are:
No studies have yet been conducted to demonstrate its efficacy in cases of non-occupational exposure.
PPE should not be seen as "the morning after pill" since it is a treatment that includes the intake of several drugs, which could be a bit expensive.
If a favorable result is desired, it is necessary that this treatment be followed in its entirety, if for some reason the dose is skipped it is possible that you will get HIV.
This treatment can cause the appearance of side effects, some of them are: nausea, vomiting, headache, general malaise.
