Definition

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Definition

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a preventive medical treatment administered after potential exposure to a contagious disease or infection. PEP is primarily used in situations where there is a risk of acquiring HIV, but it can also apply to other infectious diseases. It typically involves a course of antiretroviral medications and should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within hours or a few days, to be most effective. PEP is often recommended for healthcare workers who may come into contact with HIV-infected blood, individuals who have had unprotected sex with someone known to have HIV, or victims of sexual assault. The goal of PEP is to reduce the likelihood of infection by stopping the virus from replicating and establishing itself in the body.