For known HIV exposure, call the Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877 (NURS) immediately to be evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is only effective within the first 72 hours after exposure.
What's on This Page?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if untreated. HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk of an HIV-infected person.
Advances in antiretroviral therapies (ART) mean that people with HIV infection can live long, healthy lives. Approximately 1.1 million people in the United States currently live with HIV.
HIV infection progresses through three stages.
Sexual transmission of HIV disease can be dramatically reduced by using condoms and dental dams correctly and consistently. They are even more effective if paired with PREP or ART.
A blood test can detect HIV infection as early as the acute infection stage. Those testing positive for HIV, can manage the virus with ART. Several support groups for those with HIV infection exist in Austin.
To get the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment and to avoid transmitting an infection to others, sexually active individuals should get tested regularly for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV, even if they do not have symptoms.
It is important that those testing positive for HIV notify previous sexual partners so they can get tested. UHS staff can help talk students through the partner notification process.
How to get tested for HIV and other STIs at UHS and how to communicate positive results to sexual partners.
PEP is a combination of three drugs. You take them once or twice a day for 28 days: For adults, the CDC recommends tenofovir, emtricitabine (these two drugs come in one pill), and a third drug, either raltegravir or dolutegravir. When should I start PEP and how long do I need to take it? PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV. The sooner you start it, the better, every hour counts. You need to take the PEP medicines every day for 28 days It is best to take your pills at the same time every day. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible and then continue as before. You may drink moderate amounts of alcohol (within normal recommended safe limits) while taking this medication. If you usually take multivitamins, calcium tablets or treatment for indigestion, please discuss this with the Doctor or Nurse as they may affect how well the Raltegravir is absorbed. The efficacy of PEP for sexual exposure is reported to be as high as 99.96% if PEP was taken correctly. PEP is most effective if: Started within 72 hours post-exposure, preferably within 24 hours. Taken with high adherence for the whole course of treatment (no late or missed dose). One recommended strategy is to get tested 2-4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after a risky exposure. Using a sensitive antigen/antibody HIV test, of those who are infected, most will test positive at 1 month; almost all will test positive at 3 months; and the rest will test positive at 6 months. More Information Center for Disease Control - What is PEP? PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. There are two medications approved for use as PrEP: Truvada ® and Descovy®. More Information Center for Disease Control - What is PrEP?Partner Notification
PEP
PrEP: pre-exposure prophylaxis
Different types of PREP
Is PrEP safe?
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