Today, more tools than ever are available to prevent HIV. You can use strategies such as abstinence (not having sex), never sharing needles, and using condoms the right way every time you have sex. You may also be able to take advantage of HIV prevention medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). If you have HIV, there are many actions you can take to prevent transmitting HIV to others.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can reduce your chance of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV.
Both PrEP and PEP medication regimens can be prescribed by your provider in USC Student Health; make an appointment to discuss your health today.