PrEP 101
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, this medicine can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.
How effective is PrEP?
When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. (CDC)
Who should take PrEP?
People who are HIV negative and are at high risk of contracting HIV may benefit from PrEP.
Some examples are:
-
a person who has a sex partner who is HIV positive
-
a man who has sex with other men, especially if you are a man of color
-
a person who has a sex partner of unknown HIV status
-
women of color
-
a person who has had a STI in the last 6 months
-
a person who sometimes chooses condomless sex
-
a person who uses intravenous drugs
-
a person who is transgender
-
sex workers
