Time Limit: 72 Hours. Ideally < 24. Cost: Free.

Where to Go

Scenario A: Clinic is Open (Mon-Fri, Daytime)

Go to the Sexual Health / GUM Clinic.

  • Why: Faster, specialized staff. They won't judge you.
  • Process: Walk in. Tell reception: "I need PEP." (Say the word "PEP"). This is a magic word that skips the queue. You are now a priority patient.

Scenario B: Clinic is Closed (Nights / Weekends)

Go to A&E (Accident & Emergency).

  • Warning: You will wait. You are behind the heart attacks and car crashes.
  • The Triage: Tell the nurse immediately: "I have had a sexual exposure to HIV within the last [X] hours and I need PEP."
  • The Script: Sometimes A&E doctors are less familiar with gay health. Be clear.
    • "My partner is HIV status unknown/positive."
    • "We had receptive anal sex without a condom." (Be specific about risk).

The Meds

  • You usually get a "Starter Pack" (5 days of pills).
  • You must visit a GUM clinic before the pack runs out to get the remaining 23 days.
  • Do not lose the starter pack paperwork. Take it to the clinic.

PEPSE (PEP for Sexual Exposure)

You might hear this term. It's just the NHS jargon for "PEP given because of sex" (vs. a needle stick injury).

Summary

  • Say "PEP" immediately.
  • Don't wait for Monday. Go to A&E if it's the weekend.
  • It is always free. Even for tourists/non-residents (usually), as it is emergency public health care (though they might charge non-residents, in practice, they often prioritize the virus stop). Correction: HIV treatment is free for everyone in the UK regardless of immigration status. PEP falls under this.

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