Stay HIV Free with PrEP Human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, is a preventable condition. HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection. It’s spread by contact with bodily fluid containing HIV, mainly through unprotected sex or sharing injection drug equipment. If left untreated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The good news is you can take measures to avoid contracting HIV! Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a daily pill that can lower your risk of HIV infection by up to 99% when taken as directed. For individuals who are HIV-negative but may be at risk through exposure through sexual contact or injection drug use, PrEP provides an additional layer of protection. Who’s at Risk? If you are sexually active, you are at risk of getting HIV. Gay and bisexual men, particularly Black and Latino men, Black women and transgender women are at greatest risk. Consider PrEP if you had vaginal or anal sex in the last 6 months AND: Have one or more sex partners of unknown HIV status and use condoms only sometimes or not at all Have sex partner(s) living with HIV Have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months Inject drugs, especially if you have a partner who uses injection drugs, share needles, syringes or other injection equipment Engage in sex work Have taken post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) Where Can I Get PrEP? If you are interested in reducing your HIV risk, talk to your health care provider about PrEP today. Your provider may recommend Truvada or Descovy, two current PrEP drugs. Before you begin the medication, you will need to be tested for HIV and complete follow-up testing every three months. To be eligible for PrEP, you must be HIV-negative within a week of prescription and have no signs of infection, an estimated creatine clearance of >30 ml/min and no negative drug interactions with your current medications. PrEP is covered by TRICARE and is available by request. Is PrEP Safe? Yes, PrEP is safe and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2012. Most people on PrEP experience few, if any, side effects. Some may experience mild symptoms like nausea or headaches when first starting PrEP, but these typically subside within a few weeks. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider ensure that PrEP continues to be safe and effective for you. Continuing PrEP Care Though PrEP reduces your HIV risk, practicing safe sex is still important because it does not protect against other STIs. Taking PrEP is not a duty-limiting factor, but you may need to stop taking it while deployed. Talk to your health care provider about your options to stay protected if you need to stop use for any period of time. Make sure to routinely follow up with your provider for HIV tests and if side effects are persistent or severe. Stay Informed, Stay Protected Taking PrEP is an empowering way to take charge of your sexual wellness. Along with regular HIV testing, using condoms and open communication with sexual partners, PrEP is a key tool in HIV prevention. ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - “Preventing HIV with PrEP”HIV.gov - “What are HIV and AIDS?”
