Update on PrEP education
The CDC has updated recommendations on the pre-exposure prophylaxis for prevention of HIV in the United States in 2021. The use of medication to prevent HIV is called PrEP.
PrEP is given so that people at risk of HIV do not get infected with HIV.
As we know, the HIV epidemic is not abating and with nearly 38 million people infected with HIV globally, education has become essential. This issue of the HIV epidemic has led to public health campaigns to provide information and education on how to prevent HIV by utilizing PrEP medications as well as HIV testing, condom use, or abstinence. In the USA, medication to prevent HIV infection has been used since 2012.
The CDC guidance includes a recommendation to inform all sexually active adults and adolescents about PrEP.
The second recommendation is intramuscular cabotegravir (once approved by the FDA). The cabotegravir (CAB) injection is given every 2 months for sexually active men, women, and transgender persons who are interested in PrEP.
With medical advances there is good treatment for HIV, but there is still no cure for HIV. People with HIV are living long and productive lives with medication and good medical care. There is talk of a vaccine in development.
Preventing HIV is one of the key factors for a healthy lifestyle; this is the reason for the current CDC updates.
Written by Dr. Ngozi Onuoha.
Disclaimer: Education content only. The information presented may change at any time.