The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published post-exposure prevention (PEP) guidelines for treating occupational exposures to HIV. PEP treatment is likely to include two or three drugs for a period of 4 weeks and may also include counseling and risk prevention education. However, the guidelines do not address the issue of preventing HIV infection after exposures from sexual practices or needle sharing, even though biological risks are similar. Other than HIV specialists, very few doctors know about PEP treatment, which must be started within 72 hours of exposure. Information is included on programs available in the San Francisco area; persons outside that area should contact an AIDS service organization for a referral. Internet addresses are provided for several documents on PEP.

NEWSLETTER ARTICLE Anti-HIV Agents/*ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE Counseling HIV Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Human Internet Occupational Diseases/PREVENTION & CONTROL San Francisco Sex Behavior Sexually Transmitted Diseases/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Time Factors United States

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