About PrEP
PrEP means Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, and it’s the use of anti-HIV medication that keeps HIV negative people from becoming infected. PrEP has been shown to be safe and effective. A single pill taken once daily, it is highly effective against HIV when taken every day. The medication interferes with HIV’s ability to copy itself in your body if you’ve been exposed. This prevents it from establishing an infection and making you sick.
The Mechanics of PrEP: How Does It Work?
PrEP predominantly involves the administration of antiretroviral medications that inhibit the virus's ability to establish a foothold in the human body. The medication essentially interferes with the pathways that HIV uses to cause a full-blown infection. When taken consistently and correctly, PrEP forms a protective barrier in the bloodstream, preventing HIV from establishing an infection, even if the virus enters the body.
Effectiveness and Protection
PrEP has showcased remarkable effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV infection from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Moreover, it also reduces the risk emanating from injection drug use by at least 74%. It’s important to note, however, that PrEP doesn’t offer protection against other STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Therefore, its use in conjunction with other preventive strategies, like condom usage, is profoundly recommended.