Question
Why is my boyfriend taking ARVs?
22 November 2008. Related: All topics, HIV testing, PEP/PEPSE.
My boyfriend is a medical doctor, who had a HIV exposure from an HIV positive patient (possibly a needle sting). Now he is taking some antiretroviral tablets.
Is he HIV infected now? How long will he have to take this treatment? Please clarify. I’m confused.
Answer
The PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) lasts for a month-40 days. Your boyfriend will be taking the ARVs for that period to avoid getting infected. The percentage of people who have been infected after an exposure in a medical establishment is really tiny.
At the moment your boyfriend is most probably not HIV-positive, but still it is better to avoid unprotected sex (just in case) until he receives the ‘all clear’ test result.
Hope this helps.