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If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, do you think you have been exposed in the last 72 hours (or 3 days)? If yes, there is a treatment called PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) that may prevent HIV transmission but you need to act fast. Visit the Accident and Emergency Department of the Canberra Hospital or Calvary Hospital as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your risk and prescribe you PEP if appropriate. Read more about PEP... |
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How do you think that you were exposed? There is no evidence of transmission of HIV through ordinary social contact. HIV is not transmitted through sharing of plates, cups, cutlery, swimming pools or toilets, kissing, coughing, sneezing or spitting. Unprotected sexual contact or sharing drug injecting equipment are the most common causes of HIV transmission. Sexual contact that may transmit HIV includes vaginal and anal sex, and with lower associated risk, oral sex. Read more about the basics of HIV and AIDS... |
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Get tested for HIV. See the Canberra Sexual Health Centre (6244 2184) or your GP. You may need to get tested again in three months. Your doctor or nurse will be able to help you determine if this is necessary. Read more about getting tested... |
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Get the results. It can take more than a week for test results to come back from the laboratory. It is recommended that your practitioner give the test results to you in person, even when the result is ‘HIV negative’. Your practitioner should be able to explain the full implications of your test result. More about getting results... |
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What next?
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