Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP (sometimes called PEPSE)) is a course of HIV treatment that can be given to a HIV negative person who is at risk of HIV due to a recent exposure.
The treatment must be started within 72 hours of the exposure, and the sooner the better. The course lasts for 28 days and can be effective at preventing a HIV infection.
If you think you’ve been at serious risk of HIV infection within the past 72 hours you can access PEP from a sexual health clinic, or from a hospital A&E department. When attending a sexual health clinic or hospital A&E department ask the person that sees you for “PEP to prevent HIV infection”.