HIV Prevention
Today, more tools than ever are available to prevent HIV. Learn about the most effective prevention strategies and find the right approach for you.
Key Points
- PrEP is a daily medication that reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by up to 99%.
- PEP is emergency HIV medicine that must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure.
- Using condoms correctly and consistently prevents HIV and other STIs.
- People with HIV who achieve an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex (U=U).
- Never sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment prevents HIV transmission.
HIV Prevention Methods
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Effectiveness: Up to 99%A daily medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
Learn MorePEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Effectiveness: Highly effective if started within 72 hoursEmergency HIV medicine taken after a possible exposure to HIV. PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure and taken for 28 days. It is not a substitute for regular prevention methods.
Learn MoreCondoms
Effectiveness: 85–98%When used correctly and consistently, condoms are highly effective at preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Both male (external) and female (internal) condoms provide protection.
Learn MoreTreatment as Prevention (TasP)
Effectiveness: ~100% with undetectable viral loadPeople living with HIV who take their medication as prescribed and achieve an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. This is known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Learn MorePrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
Who Should Consider PrEP?
PrEP is recommended for HIV-negative adults and adolescents who are at risk for HIV, including:
- People who have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and have a sexual partner with HIV
- People who have not consistently used condoms, or have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 6 months
- People who inject drugs, especially those who share needles or equipment
- People who have been prescribed PEP and continue to engage in behaviors that put them at risk
Types of PrEP
Daily Oral PrEP
Truvada® / Descovy®
A pill taken once daily. Reduces HIV risk from sex by ~99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
Long-Acting Injectable PrEP
Apretude® (cabotegravir)
An injection given every 2 months by a healthcare provider. As effective as daily oral PrEP.
On-Demand PrEP
2-1-1 dosing (Truvada® only)
For cisgender men who have sex with men. Two pills 2–24 hours before sex, then one pill 24 and 48 hours after.
Harm Reduction for People Who Use Drugs
People who inject drugs can reduce their risk of HIV by:
- Never sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment
- Using a syringe services program (SSP) to access sterile needles and other supplies
- Taking PrEP to reduce HIV risk
- Getting tested for HIV and other STIs regularly
- Considering medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
The best HIV prevention strategy depends on your individual circumstances. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine which prevention method is right for you.
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