What is postexposure prophylaxis or pep?

Prevention of hiv: One can be infected by HIV if stuck by an infected needle; however studies have shown that if highly active anti-retroviral (haart)medication is taken within 36 hours of exposure to the HIV virus through needle stick and/or body fluid or any bloody fluid, the risk of contracting the disease is dramatically decrease when haart is taken as prophilaxis ( prevention).

PEP: post exposure prophylaxis involves taking anti-HIV drugs as soon as possible after a potential exposure. It must begin within 72 hours, before the retrovirus has a chance to multiply in your body. It consists of 2 to 3 drugs taken for 28 days. It has been shown to greatly decrease the risk of acquiring HIV. You can get it at your doctor's office, emergency rooms, or a local HIV clinic. Good luck.