HIV - Exposure Issues

If you think you have been exposed...

Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV: 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.
Occupational Exposure to HIV: The latest treatment guidelines on what to do if accidently exposed to HIV on the job.

National HIV/AIDS Clinicians' Consultation Center Website: 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

There is no official treatment strategy for accidents during sex, but here are some notes and resources to help if you have an accident.

"Morning After" Pills

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)

Primary HIV Infection

Symptoms that appear within weeks of exposure for 30-50% of all those who sero-convert to HIV. (BEING ALIVE, 1993)

All About the "AIDS Test"

HIV Testing 101 (Part 1 of 2): AIDS Treatment News - November 23, 2001; 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.
HIV Testing 101 (Part 2 of 2): AIDS Treatment News - December 21, 2001; 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.]
Why Get Tested: 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)
Taking the Test: A brochure on taking the "AIDS test," from the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Risky Behavior and Incidents

Sex and the AIDS Epidemic: Is promiscuity the root of the problem in the USA? (US NIAID, 1995)

-- AEGiS

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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