From Poz online…
In a long-awaited update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidelines for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) on May 6. The new guidance—the first revision since 2016—now includes more modern antiretrovirals taken for a month after non-occupational exposure, such as sex or injection drug use.
Unlike pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which involves taking antiretroviral pills every day or injections every other month prior to HIV exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis is a month-long course of antiretrovirals started as soon as possible after sex or another type of exposure that presents substantial risk.
Non-occupational PEP should be started within 72 hours after exposure, but the sooner the better. In the new guidance, the CDC emphasizes the importance of starting PEP within 24 hours, if possible. Recommendations are similar for PEP after occupational exposure, for example, a health care provider who sustains a needlestick when caring for an HIV-positive patient.