HIV PEP After a Possible Exposure
If there has been a potentially substantial HIV exposure, seek an urgent medical assessment immediately. PEP is a time-sensitive intervention—not something to postpone until symptoms or test results appear.
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If there has been a potentially substantial HIV exposure, seek an urgent medical assessment immediately. PEP is a time-sensitive intervention—not something to postpone until symptoms or test results appear.
What is HIV PEP?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a prescribed course of antiretroviral medication used after selected potential HIV exposures. When indicated, treatment should begin as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours. The usual course is 28 days.
PEP is not indicated after every sexual contact. The clinician assesses the type of exposure, source HIV status (if known), condom use, relevant medical history and whether HIV transmission could have occurred.
What to do after a condom break or unprotected sex
- Note the approximate exposure time and nature of contact.
- Seek urgent PEP assessment if exposure could be substantial and occurred within 72 hours. Do not wait for an appointment message to be answered.
- A clinician can arrange baseline HIV testing and other tests. When PEP is indicated, the first dose should not be delayed while waiting for lab results.
- Ask about hepatitis B vaccination or post-exposure management, pregnancy prevention when relevant and other STI testing.
How is PEP different from an HIV test?
An HIV test checks for infection; PEP aims to reduce infection risk after exposure. An HIV test taken immediately after exposure cannot rule out that exposure, because of the window period. After a PEP course, scheduled follow-up HIV testing is required according to the regimen and clinician’s guidance.
What if more than 72 hours have passed?
The recommended initiation window for HIV PEP has passed. Seek medical advice promptly for HIV testing plans, other STI evaluation, hepatitis B prevention, and HIV PrEP if future exposures are possible. Emergency care is still appropriate for serious injury or other urgent symptoms.
Important clinic availability note
This webpage is educational and does not state that PEP medicines or 24-hour emergency prescribing are stocked or available at Dr Neeraj Garg’s clinic. For a time-sensitive possible exposure, use an available emergency department or dedicated HIV/PEP service without delay. Routine consultations can help address follow-up concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wait for the other person’s HIV report?
If the exposure could justify PEP, do not delay urgent assessment while trying to obtain a source report.
Can HIV PEP be started on day four?
PEP is generally recommended to start within 72 hours; consult a clinician for testing and other prevention after that window.
How long does a PEP course last?
When prescribed, the usual course lasts 28 days.
Does a negative test the morning after sex exclude HIV?
No. Testing immediately after exposure cannot exclude an infection acquired during that exposure.
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Evidence and medical sources
Selected references used for the medical information on this page. The linked resources include international guidance; individual care in India follows clinical judgement and applicable local recommendations.
Reviewed for patient education: 12 October 2026. This information is not a substitute for diagnosis, examination or personalised medical advice.
Concerned about symptoms, a report or a recent exposure?
Get an appropriate assessment with Dr Neeraj Garg, MBBS (IMS-BHU), MD (IMS-BHU), dermatologist and venereology specialist in Dehradun. Tests and treatment depend on your situation.