Consider the Following: Do I feel comfortable explaining the difference between ART, PEP, and PrEP?

The Respond pillar aims to quickly gather information and respond to potential HIV outbreaks in order to get prevention and treatment services to those that need them. Real-time tracking is key to responding efficiently to hotspots. CDC Cluster Detection and Outbreak Response technology tracks new diagnoses to identify areas or groups of people that are experiencing rapid transmission.

Transmission rates in these clusters are 8-11 times higher than the U.S. average. Since December 2019, 242 clusters have been detected.

Rapid StART, PEP, and PrEP

Rapid StART is the new standard of care for individuals newly diagnosed with HIV that aims to provide individuals with ART on the same day as their diagnosis. Immediate or Rapid ART is classified as ART beginning 0-7 days after diagnosis. Rapid StART programs can reduce the risk of comorbid tuberculosis and other server bacterial infections, as well as shortening time to viral suppression.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PEP, is a medication that can be taken immediately after exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from staying in your body. PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure to be effective. PEP is to be used on an emergency basis– anyone that is regularly exposed to HIV should start PrEP. For example, a person who accidentally is stuck with an infected needle, or has an open wound that touches blood from a person living with HIV should start PEP. A person who is regularly engaging in unprotected sex with a person living with HIV should start PrEP.

Check your knowledge:

✓ What is the CDC doing to track transmission?

✓ Why is Rapid Start important?

✓ What are the differences between ART, PrEP, and PEP?