PRIVATE CARE GUIDE
Some sexual-health situations should not wait
Seek urgent medical advice after a possible HIV exposure because PEP must be started within 72 hours and works best as soon as possible. Severe pain, fever, pregnancy concerns, eye or neurological symptoms, spreading rash or sexual assault also need prompt professional care.
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What should I do after a possible HIV exposure?
Contact an emergency, urgent-care or appropriate sexual-health service immediately and ask about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). CDC states it must start within 72 hours; every hour matters. Do not wait for symptoms.
Which symptoms need prompt assessment?
Severe pelvic, abdominal or testicular pain; fever or feeling very unwell; a painful or spreading rash; eye pain or visual change; severe headache or neurological symptoms; pregnancy with symptoms; or rapidly worsening genital symptoms warrant prompt care.
- Severe pelvic, abdominal or testicular pain
- Fever, faintness or marked illness
- Eye pain, redness or visual change
- Weakness, confusion, severe headache or neck stiffness
- Pregnancy with pain, bleeding, fever or infection concern
- Sexual assault or concern about immediate safety
What if it is not an emergency?
Arrange a confidential appointment soon, avoid self-treatment and follow barrier precautions until assessed. If the situation changes or symptoms become severe, move to urgent care rather than waiting for a routine booking.
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Seek urgent medical advice after a possible HIV exposure because PEP must be started within 72 hours and works best as soon as possible. Severe pain, fever, pregnancy concerns, eye or neurological symptoms, spreading rash or sexual assault also need prompt professional care.