Hello everyone, this time we’re going to discuss post-exposure prophylaxis, which we call PEP. It’s an excellent HIV-prevention strategy for those who need it. If started within 72 hours after potential exposure, it can prevent HIV infection, and sooner is better, of course. You need only take these safe and effective medications daily for 28 days to stop HIV. They work by stopping whatever virus may be present in your system from continuing to replicate, providing enough time so whatever cells were copied die off without reproducing more. Who needs PEP, you may be wondering. Well, anyone who may have been exposed to HIV.
Among the routes of exposure is an accidental needle-stick injury. Did you know that HIV can survive in a discarded syringe for up to 42 days? That’s a long time! So even a janky, bent, dirty syringe can house live virus. Depending on your profession you may be at a greater risk for exposure to a syringe. First-responders are at high risk of an accidental needle stick. Thrift-store employees are at risk when reaching into bags of clothing or donated items. Housekeeping staff at hotels experience sticks when redressing rooms, clearing sheets off mattresses. Dental-office staff working inside mouths have been stuck. Sanitation workers collecting debris and bags of trash have been stuck. Every year in Prescott and surrounding areas, we have groups doing creekside hiking-path cleanups, and these folks encounter discarded syringes. Teachers and students encounter syringes in playground equipment.
If you encounter a discarded syringe, try to pick it up safely (needle facing away) and secure it in a water bottle, which can be closed for safe disposal. If you get stuck for just a quick second, call us. That could be long enough for the virus to enter your system. Remember, virus particles are smaller than microscopic, you can’t see them. We can keep you from becoming HIV-positive.
Others who may need PEP are victims of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a victim, call us, and we’ll get you started on PEP. Oral, vaginal and rectal penetrations all risk HIV transmission. We work with organizations providing support to victims of sexual violence, counseling, therapy and sexual-assault nursing examination services that are confidential and free to victims.
You or someone you know may be drugged and assaulted, and yes this happens here. You can be out with your friends or on a date with a new person, have a few libations, and the next thing you know you’re waking up unsure of what happened the night before, unsure whether you were violated. You may be embarrassed, confused, afraid, negotiating with yourself about the next course of action; err on the side of caution and contact us. We’re here for you.
Insured, underinsured or uninsured, no problem. We can assist people in accessing these medications at little or no cost. We work with pharmaceutical-manufacturer programs and have always been able to get people these time-sensitive medications.
When you come to Northland Cares for PEP, you will meet with a member of our Outreach and Education Team, who will talk with you about the approximate time of exposure to ensure we are within the time frame for efficacy. They’ll do a rapid-HIV test — no judgment, this is our protocol. You’ll have an opportunity to speak with one of our providers, either in person or on the phone. We’ll send a prescription to your local pharmacy, and if your health plan texts you saying it’s denying the medications, don’t worry, we can start you with a week of PEP immediately. This will give us 168 hours to work out any prior authorizations necessary to get you the remaining 21 days of medication.
You’ll meet with a PrEP Navigator who’ll support you through your PEP treatment. It’s important to try to take the medications at about the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it immediately. These medications may upset your stomach, so we recommend that you take them with food.
I hope you never need to come in for PEP, but if you or someone you know has an experience that qualifies as a need for it, call us or come into one of our offices. We have staff available on weekends and holidays to respond to PEP emergencies; call us at 928-910-6707. During the week call our Prescott office at 928-776-4612 or our Cottonwood office at 928-649-0833. We’re here to help.
This is Hedda Fay reaching out to you so you know we’re here for you. Don’t delay, while contemplating whether the need exists, that clock is ticking away. Let us help. We know these medications work. We have not had anyone seroconvert since implementing this program in 2021. Err on the side of caution and get help.
Hedda Fay, the Community Outreach and Program Manager of Northland Cares, answers your questions about sex and sexual health.
