How Does PrEP Protect Against HIV?

There’s still some confusion about HIV, its risks, and how it’s transmitted. While modern treatments have made managing HIV easier, it’s important to be well-informed to protect your health. If you’re at higher risk of contracting HIV, there are preventive treatments available to help, one of which is PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). In this article, we’ll explain how PrEP works, how it helps protect you from HIV, and why it’s an important part of sexual health.

Key Takeaways

PrEP Prevents HIV Infection

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily medication for people at high risk of HIV. It stops HIV from replicating in the body if exposed, which helps prevent infection.

Who Benefits Most from PrEP?

PrEP is ideal for those at higher risk, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, and individuals over 50. A doctor can assess if PrEP is suitable for your needs.

Consistency Is Key

To be effective, PrEP must be taken daily as prescribed. Combined with safe sex practices, it significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting PrEP.

What Is HIV?

HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, weakening its ability to fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can cause severe damage to the immune system, making it harder for the body to defend against other illnesses. Over time, untreated HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a condition where the immune system is severely compromised.

However, with modern treatments, HIV can now be managed effectively. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can lower the amount of the virus in the body to undetectable levels, meaning the virus cannot be passed on to others. People with undetectable viral loads cannot transmit HIV through sexual contact, a major breakthrough in HIV management.

What Is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medication that people at high risk of HIV can take to prevent getting the virus. It is a preventive treatment that helps lower the chances of contracting HIV. PrEP is typically prescribed to people who are HIV-negative but are at high risk due to factors such as having unprotected sex or injecting drugs.

PrEP is used alongside other HIV medications to treat existing infections, and it also plays a role in helping lower the viral load to undetectable levels. If you’re considering PrEP as part of your HIV prevention strategy, it’s essential to use it correctly, alongside safe sex practices.

How Does PrEP Work?

PrEP works by using a combination of two medications: emtricitabine and tenofovir. Both belong to a class of drugs known as NRTIs (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors). These medications create a barrier between the cells in your body and the HIV virus, blocking the virus from entering and damaging your cells.

PrEP works by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV needs to replicate. If you’re exposed to HIV, PrEP prevents the virus from replicating in your body, stopping it from causing an infection.

When Should You Take PrEP?

PrEP is most effective for people who are at high risk of contracting HIV. You should only take PrEP if advised by a healthcare provider, who will assess your individual risk and determine if it’s appropriate for you. If you already have HIV, PrEP can be used alongside other medications to help manage the virus.

When you start PrEP, it’s important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Typically, PrEP is taken once a day, and it’s important to take it consistently to maintain its effectiveness. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on how and when to take the medication, as well as advice on whether to take it with food or on an empty stomach.

Tips for Taking PrEP:

• Take the medication at the same time every day to ensure it works effectively.

• Set a reminder to help you stay consistent with your daily dose.

• If you miss a dose, speak to your doctor for guidance on what to do next.

How Is HIV Spread?

There are many myths about how HIV is spread, but it is important to understand the actual ways in which the virus is transmitted. HIV is primarily spread through bodily fluids such as:

• Blood

• Semen

• Vaginal fluid

• Breast milk

It can also be transmitted through sharing needles or syringes among drug users. However, HIV is not spread by casual contact, such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing a toilet with someone who has HIV.

What’s the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?

It’s common for people to confuse HIV with AIDS. HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely weakened. With modern treatment, many people living with HIV never develop AIDS, as effective medications help keep the virus under control.

Key Difference:

• HIV is the virus that causes the infection.

• AIDS is the condition that can develop if HIV is left untreated for many years.

It’s possible to pass on HIV to others before it progresses to AIDS. With the right treatment, people with HIV can manage the virus and prevent it from reaching the stage of AIDS.

Who Is Most at Risk of HIV?

While anyone can contract HIV, certain groups are at higher risk and should take extra precautions to protect themselves. These groups include:

1. Men Who Have Sex with Men

In the UK, men who have sex with other men represent a significant portion of new HIV diagnoses. Unprotected anal sex is one of the easiest ways for HIV to be transmitted, and two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses are in this group.

2. People Who Inject Drugs

Those who inject drugs and share needles are at high risk of contracting HIV. Sharing drug paraphernalia increases the likelihood of coming into contact with contaminated blood.

3. Sex Workers

Sex workers who do not consistently use protection are also at higher risk of HIV transmission.

4. People Over 50

Older individuals may be less likely to use condoms due to reduced concerns about pregnancy. Additionally, many people over the age of 50 may not have received adequate sex education in the past, making them less aware of safe sex practices.

Final Thoughts

PrEP is a highly effective way to protect yourself from contracting HIV, especially if you are at high risk. By taking PrEP as prescribed, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting HIV. It is essential to take the medication consistently and combine it with safe sex practices. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting PrEP, and ensure you understand how and when to take it to get the best protection.

Understanding how HIV is transmitted and how PrEP works is key to taking control of your sexual health. If you're unsure whether PrEP is right for you, speak to your doctor or a sexual health expert to get the right advice for your individual circumstances.

Sources

HIV and AIDS - NHS

HIV/AIDS - WHO

HIV Prevention - NHS

What are HIV and AIDS? - HIV.gov

PrEP Services - Let's Talk About It NHS

Information and Support: HIV - BBC