Ready, set, PrEP!
by Ashley Wilson, PrEP Specialist
Are you PrEPared?
No, I’m not talking about getting cute masks, sanitizer, and gloves for COVID. I’m not even talking about buying water, flashlights, and non-perishables for hurricane season. Yes, all of those are super important, but what I am talking about is are you prepared for HIV?
With 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States, it is important you prevent yourself from becoming a statistic, especially if you live a life that puts you at risk for HIV. Those risk factors include:
- multiple sexual partners or a partner who has multiple partners
- HIV status or partner(s) is unknown, or is HIV+
- injecting drugs or sharing needles
- had a previous sexually transmitted infection
- in an abusive relationship where condom negotiation is not feasible.
If you fall into any of those categories, you have nothing to be ashamed of. There is help!
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a one-a-day pill a doctor can prescribe to prevent HIV. As long as you a risk for HIV is present, you continue taking this pill. If your situation changes, you should have a conversation with your doctor about whether or not to stop the medication.
PrEP is 99 percent effective at preventing HIV when taken properly. Follow up appointments and lab work are required every three months while taking PrEP. This helps ensure the drug is interacting with your body safely and you remain HIV negative.
To learn more about PrEP, talk to your primary care provider or a member of the HopeHealth prevention team at 843-487-8186.
