HIV post exposure prophylaxis

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a four week treatment that may prevent you from becoming infected if you have been exposed to HIV.

PEP must be started within 72 hours of the HIV risk exposure. The sooner PEP is started, the more effective it is. Contact the South Australian HIV PEP hotline on 1800 022 226 if you think you have been exposed.

PEP may prevent HIV infection

You may be eligible for PEP if you have had any of the following risk exposures to HIV in the last 72 hours:

  • sex without a condom with a person who has, or might have, HIV
  • condom breaking or slipping off during sex
  • sharing needles, syringes or injecting equipment with a person who has, or might have, HIV
  • needle stick injury.

You need to start taking PEP within the first 72 hours after a risk exposure, but the sooner PEP treatment is started the better. 

By taking PEP you can prevent the development of HIV infection and reduce the risk of HIV infection being passed on to other people.

If you think you have been exposed

In community settings and non-SA Health workplaces

If a potential HIV exposure occurs in a community setting or a non-SA Health workplace, call the South Australian HIV PEP hotline on 1800 022 226. 

The hotline is available 24 hours a day to triage any member of the public who believes they may have been exposed to HIV. Calls are answered by a Registered Nurse who will conduct a risk assessment based on the information provided by the caller. Individuals who have had a high-risk exposure to HIV will be directed to the nearest HIV PEP access point.

PEP can be accessed at sexual health clinics such as Adelaide Sexual Health Centre and SHINE SA or at most hospital emergency departments.

In a SA Health workplace

If a potential HIV exposure occurs in a SA Health workplace, then the workplace blood and body fluid exposure management procedure should be followed.

U=U

The risk of acquiring HIV from any exposure involving a person known to have HIV is dependent on the amount of virus they have in their body (their HIV viral load).

People living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load, cannot sexually transmit HIV. This is known as ‘treatment as prevention’ or U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable). An undetectable viral load also significantly reduces the risk of transmission of HIV via injecting and breastfeeding.

For further information about U=U: