Be PrEPared for HIV

By: Rachel Ormsbee

A lot of people are familiar with HIV as a big, scary sexually transmitted infection (STI). While HIV isn’t technically “curable,” medical development has greatly improved outcomes for those diagnosed with HIV and reduced the rate of transmission.

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a communicable disease that attacks the body’s T cells, reducing immune functioning and making a person more vulnerable to illnesses. Anyone can become infected with HIV, and once someone has HIV, they will have it for the rest of their life. If left untreated, HIV will develop into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Luckily, several medical interventions have been developed to slow the spread of HIV, providing defense the human body cannot do on its own.

Introducing, PrEP and PEP! Both medications prevent HIV infection in someone who is HIV negative.

Note: PrEP, as an HIV preventative method, requires individuals to test (and continue testing) negative for HIV. The good news? No matter the test result, there are medical options to help you stay happy and healthy. We offer both testing for HIV and PrEP prescriptions at Bridgercare! You can schedule an appointment today.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (quite a mouthful), better known as PrEP, is a medical intervention to dramatically lower the odds of HIV infection. PrEP, when taken as prescribed, reduces the rate of HIV infection through sex by protecting the specific immune cells that HIV targets, preventing HIV from replicating, a necessary function for infection to occur.

What happens if I’m exposed to HIV without being on PrEP?

Don’t panic! PEP is here to save the day. PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, can prevent infection after exposure to HIV in emergency situations. It must be taken within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure (the sooner the better!). Effectiveness is estimated to be around 90% when PEP is taken correctly.  

Note: If you are at risk for HIV exposure, it is recommended to proactively protect with PrEP than to rely on PEP.

Who should consider PrEP or PEP?

The answer to this is best determined by each individual and their medical provider. PrEP and PEP can be effective ways to reduce one’s chances of getting HIV—therefore if you think you may be at risk of being exposed to HIV, talk to your provider, or visit us here, at Bridgercare! We’d be happy to discuss your risk factors and options for HIV prevention and treatment.

How can I get PrEP or PEP?

Both PrEP and PEP must be prescribed by a medical provider. Visit your doctor or make an appointment with us here at Bridgercare to discuss your options or get a prescription.

Minors: Great news! In Montana, people under the age of 18 can consent to their own health care for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs. You do not need a parent's or guardian's consent to be seen at Bridgercare. 

It is important to note that both PrEP and PEP require individuals to continue to test negative for HIV. If someone is diagnosed with HIV, a different treatment approach is employed. For HIV positive individuals, antiretroviral therapy (ART) using several medications can reduce their viral load to undetectable levels—incognito mode. Essentially putting HIV replication within the body on hold and allowing the body to function better and stay healthier. The extra bonus? With undetectable viral loads, sexual transmission to an HIV-negative partner is essentially stopped!

Note: Even with undetectable viral loads, condom usage is still recommended for the prevention of all STIs, not just HIV. Stay safe!

Now you know! We wish everyone well and a wonderful Pride month. We hope this helps everyone be PrEPared to take charge of their sexual health.