The most effective means of preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is preventing exposure. The provision of antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV infection after unanticipated sexual or injection-drug--use exposure might be beneficial. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Working Group on Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) made the following recommendations for the United States.
An AIDS Education and Training Centers clinical resource for health care professionals, from the University of California, San Francisco at San Francisco General Hospital. Services include: Clinical Consultation, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline, and Perinatal Hotline
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PEP, is advocated on a case-by-case basis for pregnant women and health-care workers involved in high-risk occupational needle-stick accidents. It's increasingly available to rape victims as well. (HIVPLUS, 1998)
HIV antibody testing has been with us since 1985. Testing technology has evolved considerably over the years, with a variety of new and improved tests coming into use, both in research and daily practice. Since determining one's HIV status is the first step in treatment decisions, it is important to understand the tests being used today, including their limitations.
To confirm an acute HIV infection in symptomatic individuals with potential HIV risk factors, current guidelines(2) recommend use of HIV RNA (viral load) tests. [The regular HIV antibody test will not detect acute HIV infection because the patient is still in the "window period" before antibodies have been produced.]
AIDS is a frightening disease, but today we have new therapies and approaches that are keeping many people with HIV healthy. The key is action and information. (HIVPLUS, 1999)
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.