Can someone be exposed to HIV and not get infected?
You can have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and not know it. You also can have been exposed to HIV but not necessarily be infected. About 1 in 7 people who are HIV-positive are unaware of it. The only way to know if you are infected is to get an HIV test.
What should you immediately do if you have been exposed to HIV?
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to HIV, immediately contact your local accident and emergency (A&E) department, GUM (genitourinary medicine) or sexual health clinic. The doctor or nurse there will ask you several questions to try to find out whether you could benefit from treatment.
How effective is HIV post exposure prophylaxis?
How well does PEP work? PEP does not prevent 100% of HIV infections but it is very effective at preventing HIV if used consistently and correctly. Observational research suggests that PEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV by more than 80%, which means some people in the studies acquired HIV despite taking PEP.
Does medication prevent HIV?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is medicine taken to prevent getting HIV. PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.
How long can PEP delay seroconversion?
As PEP works similar to medication used to manage HIV, PEP if unsuccessful can delay seroconversion. This is why testing a minimum of 4 weeks after PEP is required. Seroconversion can occur 1-3 weeks after the course ends.
Does PEP work after 72 hours?
It is most effective when started within 24 hours, but it needs to be started within 72 hours. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that PEP won't work. PEP usually isn't given more than 72 hours (3 days) after exposure as studies show it is unlikely to be effective.