Breathe. You have time—but not much. Follow these steps NOW.

Step 1: Get PEP Within 72 Hours

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of antiretrovirals that can stop HIV from taking hold.

  • Best: Within 4 hours of exposure.
  • Good: Within 24 hours.
  • Maximum window: 72 hours (3 days). After that, PEP cannot help.

Do not wait until morning. Do not wait until Monday. Go NOW.

Step 2: Where to Go

Go to the first one you can reach:

  1. Emergency room / A&E — They can prescribe PEP on the spot.
  2. Sexual health clinic / GUM clinic — If open, they handle this routinely.
  3. Your GP / primary care doctor — Call and say "possible HIV exposure, I need PEP urgently."
  4. HIV/AIDS hotline — If you can't find a provider, call a local HIV organisation. They will direct you.

Say these words: "I've had a possible HIV exposure and I need PEP."

Step 3: What You'll Be Given

  • Standard regimen: Truvada (TDF/FTC) + dolutegravir — one pill combo, once daily for 28 days.
  • If you're on injectable PrEP (cabotegravir): Tell the doctor immediately. Your regimen may need adjusting.

Step 4: Survive the 28 Days

  • Take every pill, every day, same time. Missing doses can mean failure.
  • If you vomit within 2 hours of taking it: Take another pill. The first one didn't absorb.
  • Side effects are normal: Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue. Ask for anti-nausea medication (ondansetron/Zofran) when you get your PEP prescription.
  • Do NOT stop early because you feel better or because the side effects suck. 28 days. All of them.

Step 5: Follow-Up Testing

  • Test at 4–6 weeks after exposure (4th-generation HIV test).
  • Test again at 3 months for confirmation.
  • Until you have a confirmed negative result: Use condoms with all partners.

After This Is Over

If this is your first scare, consider getting on PrEP — a daily or on-demand pill that prevents HIV before exposure happens. Talk to your doctor or sexual health clinic. PEP is the fire extinguisher. PrEP is the fireproofing.

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