PrEP is the medication (antiretroviral medications/ARVS) offered to HIV negative individuals who are at a substantial ongoing risk of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection.
These medications work by preventing the virus from establishing a permanent infection within the body if exposure to HIV occurs.
When taken consistently and correctly, PrEP has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
The uptake of PrEP in Kenya is slowly but gradually being embraced which is good news since this reduces chances of HIV infection.
PrEP should only be offered to clients of 15years age and above who are sexually active after eligibility assessment
Who should use PrEP ?
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- Individuals in serodiscordant relationships (where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative)
- Injection drug users who share needles
- Sex workers
- Individuals with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or recent unprotected sex
How should one use PrEP?
The recommended ARV regimen for oral PrEP is TDF/FTC, an alternative is TDF/3TC
It is taken as one combined pill once a day by mouth.
Before starting PrEP, individuals undergo HIV testing to ensure they are HIV-negative and do not have acute HIV infection (eligibility assessment).
Regular follow-up appointments are necessary while on PrEP to monitor for potential side effects, assess adherence, and perform HIV testing.
This should be done during initiation of PrEP, at one month and after every three months.
It’s important to note that while PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or blood-borne infections. Therefore, individuals using PrEP should also practice other preventive measures such as condom use and regular STI testing.
What are the side effects of PrEP?
Some of the short term side effects include:
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Headaches
4.Rash
5.Skin reactions
6.Fever
How can one get PrEP?
If you are at a risk of acquiring HIV ,do not wait until its too late, you can visit any HIV/TB clinic in Kenya.
You can also can reach out to us on our website https://hellodaktari.co.ke and we shall be able to advise you accordingly.
Our team offers online medical consultations and Home based care services within Nairobi-Kenya and its environs.
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