Prophylaxis is an action you can take to protect and prevent yourself from contracting a disease. PrEP and PEP are types of prophylaxis that can be administered to prevent HIV infection with the course of taking HIV medications.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is administered BEFORE a possible exposure to HIV. PrEP is an HIV prevention strategy to people who are HIV-negative. PrEP is for people who do not have sex partners with HIV, have sex with people whose HIV status are unknown and share injection drug equipment like needles. They are required to take one oral pill each day before the possible contact to HIV to reduce the risk of contracting the infection.
PEP on the other hand, stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is administered AFTER a possible exposure to HIV. PEP is an HIV prevention strategy in which people who are HIV-negative take an anti-HIV medication after coming in contact with HIV or HIV-positive people. PEP is for people who are HIV-negative but may been have been exposed during sex, at work through a needle stick or other injury, by sharing injection drug equipment or during a sexual assault. In emergency situations, PEP should be taken within the 72 hour period of possible exposure.
PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90% and from injection drug use by more than 70%. PEP can prevent HIV infection when administered correctly, but it is not always effective. PEP must be started as soon as possible to give it the best probability of working.
Keep in mind that ONLY people who are HIV-negative should use PrEP or PEP. You must be tested for HIV and have a documented negative result before starting PrEP. These prophylaxes are available through prescription from a medical provider. You can get PEP at a local emergency room or urgent clinic. Also, neither PrEP nor PEP protects against STIs or Pregnancy. These prophylaxes are not cures for HIV, rather, they provide protection and lower your risk into contracting an infection.
Talk to your local health care provider if PrEP or PEP is for you!
https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/infographics/46/prep-vs--pep