The care of persons with recent sexual exposure to HIV

Article Abstract:

Physicians should offer AIDS drugs to any person who is exposed sexually to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Studies have shown that early treatment following exposure may help the immune system eliminate the virus. Patients who have unprotected sex with someone at risk of HIV should be treated with zidovudine and lamivudine for four weeks. They should be tested for HIV at the first visit and periodically after that. They also should be told to watch for the signs of early HIV infection. This may be the best way to identify people at risk for HIV and refer them to appropriate social services.

Sexual intercourse

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Postexposure treatment of HIV - taking some risks for safety's sake

Article Abstract:

The risks of using antiretroviral drugs after occupational exposure to HIV may be justified if the treatment lessens the chance of infection. Such preventive drug therapy was controversial when it began in 1988, but subsequent studies in animals and humans provide evidence that this approach may be effective. Researchers in 1997 reported an 81% lower risk of infection in health care workers given the drug zidovudine (AZT) after exposure to HIV-contaminated blood. Although limited, this study supports the continued use of drugs to try to prevent this type of HIV infection.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Medical personnel

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Postexposure treatment of people exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus through sexual contact or injection-drug use

Article Abstract:

It may be cost-effective to give zidovudine and other AIDS drugs to people exposed to HIV, but only if they intend to change their risky behavior. Studies of health care workers who are exposed to HIV reveal that zidovudine can reduce their risk of developing HIV infection. Intravenous drug addicts and those who have sex with HIV-positive people have the same risk as health care workers. Consequently, they should be offered zidovudine within 72 hours of their exposure. However, they should also be counseled to change the behavior that puts them at risk for HIV infection.

HIV (Viruses), HIV, Disease transmission, Drug addicts, Drug abusers

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