What Is HIV?
HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal fluids.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Verywell / Jessica Olah
The human body cannot get rid of the HIV virus, and a cure currently doesn’t exist.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Is the HIV Window Period?
The window period varies with different types of HIV tests.
When Should I Have an HIV Test?
High-risk activities include non-monogamous sex, unprotected sex, and injectable drug use.
Getting tested three months after exposure gives a 99% accurate test result.
Many of the sites offer walk-in testing.
Some require an appointment.
It is a short-course treatment that prevents the virus from taking hold in your body.
However, it has to be started within 72 hours of exposure, or it would not work.
The duration of PEP treatment is 28 days.
It may cause minor side effects, or interact with other drugs a person is taking.
Be sure to discuss all the potential risks of taking PEP with a doctor.
While taking PEP, its still important to keep using other HIV prevention methods.
During this time, it’s still important to take all necessary precautions to avoid spreading the virus.
2017;64(1):53-59. doi:10.1093/cid/ciw666
HIV.
HIV.gov.Preventing sexual transmission of HIV.
