Introduction
HIV/AIDS is one of the deadliest diseases that has rocked the world claiming millions of lives yearly and spreading rapidly, especially through sex. Over the years, several remarkable advancements and discoveries have been made to fight against HIV globally. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), happens to be one of the groundbreaking tools that was discovered to prevent HIV. As PrEP awareness increases, it is essential to understand its role, effectiveness, and those who should take it.
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug regimen prescribed to prevent HIV transmission in individuals who are at higher risk of exposure. The name, Pre-exposure, means the drug is taken before an individual’s exposure to HIV, not after. PrEP works by blocking HIV from developing into AIDS in the body. There are several types of PrEP but the most common one is a once-daily pill that contains two antiretroviral drugs namely Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and Emtricitabine (FTC). In a nutshell, PrEP is a proactive strategy that ensures individuals take control of their sexual health and reduces the risk of HIV transmission.
How does PrEP work?
When PrEP is taken it prevents HIV from replicating itself inside the body if exposure occurs. The drug acts by building up in the bloodstream, tissues, and especially the genital and rectal areas, where HIV is most likely to enter the body. If the virus enters the system, PrEP prevents it from taking hold and multiplying. For the medication to be effective in the body, adherence is important, and its level must remain consistently high to provide protection. Studies have shown that consistent daily intake of PrEP reduces the risk of HIV transmission through sex by 99%.
How Effective is PrEP in Reducing HIV Transmission?
When PrEP is taken consistently and correctly, it is one of the most effective HIV prevention tools available. Aside from this, there are other factors involved in ensuring its success. It takes about 21 days of consistent use for PrEP to provide full protection for vaginal issues and 7 days for rectal issues. To see the result of the medication, timing is vital. While PrEP prevents HIV transmission, it doesn’t prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so, condoms are non-negotiable to prevent other infections.
Who Should Take PrEP?
PrEP is mainly recommended for individuals who are at risk of HIV exposure and those who belong to that category are those who practice gay, men sleeping with men are more at risk of being affected with HIV. Those who have HIV-positive partners, people who inject drugs, commercial sex workers, and those who practice unprotected sex need to take PrEP.
Conclusion
While most people tolerate PrEP so well, some others might experience its side effects like nausea, headache, and fatigue which won’t last for long. This is however a reason to not take the medication because it is highly effective in HIV prevention. Adherence to and maintaining other preventive measures is one way to maximize PrEP’s benefits. With ongoing research, PrEP is shaping the future of HIV prevention, bringing us to a world free from HIV/AIDS.
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