adminCatherine Murombedzi
I HAVE on many occasions been asked if it is now possible to prevent HIV infection as an after effect. My answer is yes and no. Yes in that post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a last resort as a preventative method of getting HIV. Last resort. Get that clear, all the other preventative measures still stand. These being faithful to one sexual partner, use of either a female or male condom, never use both at once. Condoms must be used correctly and consistently not sometimes.
All blood products in Zimbabwe are screened for HIV, hepatitis B and syphillis since 1985. PEP is available for rape survivors, after an incident put one at risk either a prick by an injection or sharp object, after blood spilling in an accident and if accidentally one’s blood comes into contact with blood from an HIV positive person.
“PEP itself is an ARV and should be taken within 72 hours from the time of exposure to HIV infection,” said Southern Africa HIV and Aids Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) in their newsletter.
“If you have had unprotected sex through rape or other forms of forced sex, have been pricked by a skin piercing object which may have been used by an HIV positive person and if your blood comes into contact with blood of an HIV positive person during an accident,” said SAfAIDS.
PEP works by preventing HIV from entering the cells of the body and increasing in number. “PEP is a short course of treatment and should be taken within 72 hours of being exposed to HIV, but better still if it is taken within the first 24 hours of exposure,” said the letter.
As soon as you have had an incident which put you at risk of HIV infection, then you need to go to the nearest health centre and be helped on accessing PEP. Earlier on I said No. Here is my opinion. Surely one cannot freely have unprotected sex and run the next morning to access PEP.
There are many preventative methods available.
In fact for one to access, PEP one has to be HIV negative. The medication is taken for a month and one is advised by a doctor or a nurse on the side effects and if one is on other medication the possible interference. All anti-retroviral medicines can cause side effects which can be severe in the first few days.
“If you are taking PEP you may get diarrhoea, feel nauseas, get headaches, feel tired and general unwellness,” said the letter.
Despite all the above side effects, one continues taking the medication.
One has to be HIV negative to take PEP.
“There is a danger in an HIV positive person taking PEP. It does not help, but rather builds drug resistance when one tries to use the same medication in future,” SAfAIDS said. So one cannot be sleeping around using no protection thinking I can access PEP after the incident. In fact remaining faithful remains a hallmark in getting to zero new HIV infections by 2030.
Feedback: [email protected]
Online Reporter