Health

The fight against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is primarily about prevention. If, despite your vigilance, you accidentally expose someone to the virus, react without delay.

I HAVE JUST EXPOSED A PERSON, WHAT CAN I DO?

Whether it is contact with blood or another biological fluid involved in viral transmission (HIV/HBV/HCV) or during sexual intercourse (unprotected intercourse or condom breakage), you should ideally act within 4 hours and at the most within 48 hours. Beyond 48 hours, the time frame is uncertain.
Immediately accompany the person to the emergency department of a hospital, day or night.
Tell reception that you have come for an accidental exposure to HIV.
If you think you have had risky sexual intercourse, you and the person concerned must go to the hospital as quickly as possible.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONSULTATION?

To assess the risk of exposure and contamination by HIV incurred by the accidentally exposed person.
To quickly set up post-exposure treatment.

WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO?

You will have to answer a questionnaire about you and the conditions of the incident. This set of information will allow the doctor to assess the risk and decide on the relevance of treatment.
Stay by the person's side to support them.

WHAT TREATMENT IS IT?

This is a preventive antiretroviral treatment (triple therapy) against HIV.
If administered early enough, the treatment prevents the possible spread of the virus throughout the body and blocks it before it penetrates the target cells (CD4).
It must be taken for four weeks without interruption, respecting the doses and times of intake.
Some side effects, such as diarrhea or nausea, may be felt for a few days.
Accompany the person, if you can, during the duration of their treatment.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

We cannot know immediately if the treatment was effective.
The latest regulations provide for a 4-month follow-up.
Don't waste time.
Beyond 48 hours, it is too late to consider emergency treatment.
Don't worry, you will not be badly received or judged by the emergency staff.