12/10/2026
āI had unprotected s*x because I didn't have a condom and I'm worried I may have been exposed to HIV. Should I just wait and test later?ā
This is what you should know
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, don't wait before seeking help. There is a medicine called PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) that can help prevent HIV infection after a possible exposure.
PEP works best when started as soon as possible, and it must be started within 72 hours (3 days) of the exposure. The earlier it is started, the better.
So if the exposure happened recently, don't spend days trying to figure out whether you are infected before seeking help.
Go to a hospital, clinic, or appropriate healthcare facility and tell them exactly what happened and when it happened. A healthcare professional can assess your risk and determine whether PEP is appropriate for you.
Another mistake people make is taking HIV medicines from someone else or buying random drugs without proper medical advice.
Don't make this mistake. PEP requires the correct medicines and should be taken exactly as prescribed. You may also need HIV testing and follow-up testing because a test done immediately after exposure may not be able to detect a very recent infection.
If you think you may have been exposed, don't wait for symptoms. Don't wait for someone to reassure you. Seek medical care as soon as possible.
The simple message is: Possible HIV exposure? Act quickly. The 72-hour window matters.
