PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of emergency HIV medication. It must be started within 72 hours of a high-risk exposure (e.g., a condom break with a partner of unknown status), but the sooner you start it, the more effective it is. In Latvia, it is free or state-covered as emergency care.
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Do not wait for a convenient appointment. Your route depends entirely on the time of day.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime | Uzņemšanas nodaļa (emergency reception) at a major hospital | 24/7 capacity. They will assess risk and initiate PEP. |
Major Hospitals
- Riga: LIC - Latvijas Infektoloģijas centrs (Linezera iela 3). The infectious disease team operates 24 hours.
- Daugavpils: Daugavpils Reģionālā slimnīca (Vienības iela 68).
- Liepāja: Liepājas Reģionālā slimnīca (Slimnīcas iela 25).
- Jelgava: Jelgavas Pilsētas slimnīca (Jelgavas iela 2).
Do not go to your ģimenes ārsts (GP / family doctor). They cannot prescribe PEP. Go directly to LIC in Riga, or the nearest slimnīca (hospital) uzņemšana.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the emergency reception, ask for the on-call infectious disease doctor (dežurējošais infektologs).
- Use the terminology: "Man bija HIV risks. Man vajag profilaksi pēc ekspozīcijas (PEP)." (I had an HIV risk. I need post-exposure prophylaxis — PEP).
- State the timeline: Tell them exactly how many hours ago the exposure was.
- Be direct about the exposure: Explain exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom) to help the doctor assess the risk.
The Starter Pack: The hospital will issue a starter pack of medication. The follow-up is mandatory. You must return before it runs out to complete the 28-day course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Latvian PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside an integrase inhibitor — typically dolutegravir (Tivicay).
- It is a strict regimen: PEP is not a morning-after pill. It is a mandatory 28-day course, and you cannot miss doses.
- Side effects are manageable: You may experience nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea, though not everyone does. The clinic will often prescribe anti-sickness medication alongside your PEP.
- Do not stop: Never stop taking PEP without speaking to a doctor first.
💶 Cost
- Latvian health system residents: PEP is free or state-covered as emergency care.
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Emergency care is covered at state rates. Bring your EHIC card.
- Non-EU visitors: Emergency care is provided; you may be billed afterward. Travel insurance should cover this.
Related: