Cart 0

PeEP. HIV Vaccine or a recipe for high risk encounters?

hiv hiv rapid test kit

 

With a rapid uptake of the usage of Truvada pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the gay community of Washington. From a high risk of HIV infection population, 205 of that sub group are reported to be taking the drug. The concerning factor is that it is difficult to quantify of those 205 how many more incidents of unprotected sex are occurring due to the individuals assumption that they have an HIC infection safety net. With the drug reported to decrease infection rates by 90% it is very hard to convince the high risk group that safe sex is the only protection available to them. But sadly, this result will mean that 1 in 10 of those potential infections is still successful in passing on HIV. It is certainly early days for this line of defence and the side effects and costs are yet to be quantified completely. This science may quite possibly go on to develop into a 100% effective vaccine that is not overly damaging to the individuals who use it but we are not there yet. In the meantime, safe sex and effective screening for HIV and other STDs/STIs is the most effective barrier in controlling the HIV crisis in Australia. With HIV infection rates at 10 year highs it is essential that any at risk individual tests urgently and practices safe sex until those e results are known. With HIV rapid test kits these results can be within minutes and if respecting the HIV antibody window period that individual can then rest safe in the knowledge they are not infected with HIV.

 



Older Post Newer Post