A key contributor to continued HIV Stigma is a lack of awareness around the virus, and positive, accurate, key information being shared. This World AIDS Day, we are delighted to share with you some super useful information!
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a way to protect against HIV infection. It involves taking a pill regularly before and after sex. PrEP is meant for people who don't have HIV to keep them from getting it. The pill used for PrEP is an antiretroviral drug, which is the same kind of pill taken by those who already have HIV to treat the virus.
PrEP is available free on the NHS in England from sexual health clinics.
Find out where you can get PrEP.
Did you know?
There are two ways to take PrEP!
In clinical trials PrEP has been used in the following ways:
1. Taken regularly (one tablet per day).
2. Only taken when needed. This second method is often called ‘on-demand’ or ‘event-based’ dosing.
What is U=U?
U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, they can lower the level of HIV (the viral load) in the blood. When the levels are extremely low it is referred to as an undetectable viral load. At this stage, HIV cannot be passed on sexually, making it untransmittable.
HIV and pregnancy
If you have a partner with HIV and are considering getting pregnant, PrEP medication may be an option to help protect you and your baby from getting HIV while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.