PEP 101: What to Do After a Possible HIV Exposure
A stigma-free sexual health resource from the Orlando Sisters.
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is medicine that may help prevent HIV after a possible exposure.
PEP is not a daily prevention plan like PrEP. PEP is for emergencies. It is the “sound the alarm, grab the sensible shoes, and get medical care now” option.
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, timing matters.
PEP Must Be Started Quickly
PEP must be started within 72 hours, or 3 days, after a possible HIV exposure. The sooner it is started, the better. CDC says PEP is for emergency situations only and must be started within 72 hours after exposure.
HIV.gov explains that PEP is a 28-day course of HIV medicines, ideally started within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after a possible exposure.
So if you are worried about a recent exposure, do not wait to see how you feel. Do not wait for symptoms. Do not wait for someone to text back. Do not wait for the group chat to reach consensus.
Seek care as soon as possible.
When Might Someone Need PEP?
PEP may be considered after a possible HIV exposure, such as:
- Condomless sex with someone whose HIV status is positive, unknown, or uncertain
- A condom breaking or slipping during sex
- Sexual assault
- Sharing needles, syringes, or injection equipment
- Occupational exposure, such as a needlestick injury
- Another situation where HIV exposure may have occurred
A provider will help decide whether PEP is recommended based on what happened, when it happened, and what is known about the other person’s HIV status or viral load.
What Happens When You Ask for PEP?
A provider may:
- Ask what happened and when
- Do an HIV test
- Test for other STIs
- Test for hepatitis or pregnancy, if relevant
- Review medications and allergies
- Prescribe PEP if appropriate
- Explain how to take it for 28 days
- Schedule follow-up testing
Be honest about timing and what happened. This is not confession. It is triage.
PEP Is Not the Same as PrEP
PEP is taken after a possible exposure. PrEP is taken before possible exposure.
If you need PEP more than once, or if HIV exposure is a recurring concern, talk with a provider about PrEP. CDC clinical guidance notes that people with frequent, recurrent HIV exposures should be considered for PrEP, and that PrEP may be prescribed after completing a 28-day PEP course when appropriate.
PEP Does Not Replace Emergency Care
If the possible exposure involved sexual assault, injury, coercion, or danger, seek urgent medical care and support. PEP may be one part of care, but you may also need emergency contraception, injury care, forensic options, STI prevention, counseling, advocacy, or safety planning.
Your safety matters. Your consent matters. Your care matters.
Where to Find PEP in Orlando
If you are in Central Florida, several Sacred Spaces may be able to help with PEP access, HIV testing, prevention counseling, or referrals.
26Health lists PrEP and PEP treatments and notes that PEP is effective when taken within 72 hours of possible exposure, with sooner being better.
Hope & Help lists prevention services that include access to PrEP and nPEP, along with HIV/STI prevention, testing, treatment, and support services.
OIC lists PEP as part of its PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP prevention services.
The Center Orlando offers walk-in HIV testing and may be a useful community resource for testing and referrals.
If it is after hours, the exposure was recent, or you are approaching the 72-hour window, do not wait for a routine appointment. Seek urgent medical care, an emergency department, or another provider able to evaluate PEP quickly.
A Sisterly Blessing
PEP is not shame. PEP is action.
A possible exposure can feel scary, but you are not powerless. The clock matters, so move quickly, ask directly, and get care.
Every hour counts. Your health is worth the urgency.