The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated official guidance on using medication to prevent HIV infection after a possible exposure. This is called nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis, or nPEP. The guidance applies to situations like certain types of sexual contact, sharing needles for drug use, or other exposures outside of a healthcare setting.
The CDC is the nation's leading public health agency. These updates are based on a review of the latest available medical evidence. The goal is to give doctors and other health professionals the most current advice on when and how to use these preventive medications.
It is important to understand that this is a set of recommendations, not a report on a new scientific study. The document does not contain new data on how well the treatment works or its side effects. If someone believes they have been exposed to HIV, they should seek medical care immediately, as these medications need to be started very quickly to be effective.