HIV
If you have been diagnosed with HIV infection you will need to attend clinic for regular check ups, which will include blood tests to monitor the HIV infection. You will get support to help you deal with your diagnosis, the tests needed to monitor the HIV infection and any other support you need. You will be referred to a neighbouring service where HIV treatment and care is available.
PEP
PEPSE stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis following Sexual Exposure. It is a short course of HIV treatment, given to people who may have been exposed to HIV, in order to reduce the risk of them becoming HIV positive as a result of unprotected sex – this can be, having sexual intercourse without a condom.
You need to visit the central clinic located in Jarrow at Palmers Community Hospital if you think you need this treatment it is vital that it is started within 72 hours of the sexual exposure
PrEP
If you’re HIV negative, you may be able to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine to reduce your risk of contracting HIV.
PrEP is available for some people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV infection – Examples of being a high risk of HIV are listed below.
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
PrEP is currently available as a pill taken before sex, so it is pre-exposure. Prophylaxis means to prevent infection. So you can use PrEP to greatly reduce the risk of becoming HIV positive.
Currently, PrEP uses oral tablets that contain two HIV drugs: usually tenofovir disoproxil (TD)
plus emtricitabine (FTC).
PrEP is now free across the UK and from South Tyneside Sexual Health
Who can take PrEP?
If you are HIV negative who is at high risk of acquiring HIV and don’t always use condoms, then PrEP can greatly reduce your risk of HIV.
Here are some factors that are linked to a high risk of HIV:
If you are a man or a woman and have sex with men who themselves have sex with other men and do not always use condoms.
If your sexual partner is HIV positive who is not on treatment or is on treatment but their HIV has not yet been undetectable (not yet under control) for at least 6 months.
If you have sex without a condom with multiple partners and or with recent migrants to the UK.
If you are paid for sex and you are pressured not to use condoms.
If you were diagnosed with a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) (especially rectal bacterial infection, HCV or syphilis).
If you needed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) particularly repeated courses.
If you use recreational drugs used for chemsex (crystal meth, mephedrone and GHB).
If you think PREP is for you, give us a call to discuss accessing PREP
Please call the appointments line Monday to Friday on 0191 4028191 between the hours of 08.45 & 12.15 for a telephone consultation.