Biomedical Research

Biomedical research has given us powerful new tools to prevent HIV transmission. Those at very high risk for getting HIV can take PrEP, a daily pill that greatly reduces their chance of getting HIV. People who have been exposed to HIV can take PEP, medicine that can reduce the chance of becoming HIV-positive, if started within 3 days of exposure. Furthermore, treatment for those who have HIV infection, called ART, is now a proven prevention strategy. CDC has identified the best practices and most effective prevention strategies in the Compendium of Evidence-Based Interventions. Read more about these developments and the CDC’s biomedical prevention research.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Non-Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

• Guidelines for Nonoccupational Exposureexternal icon
• Antiretroviral Postexposure Prophylaxis after Sexual, Injection-Drug-Use, or Other Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV, in the United States: Recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Occupational Exposure & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

• Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxispdf icon
• Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxispdf icon
• The National Clinicians’ Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEPline)external icon