Serodiscordant couples encouraged to access PrEP
In keeping its community healthy, the provision of PrEP is part of the City of Ekurhuleni's comprehensive combination of HIV prevention strategy.
Kwatsaduza – Serodiscordant couples are encouraged to inquire about the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment now available at all Ekurhuleni health facilities.
These are couples in which one partner is HIV positive.
In keeping its community healthy, the provision of PrEP is part of the City of Ekurhuleni’s comprehensive combination of HIV prevention strategy.
Also read: Can you give birth to a HIV-neg baby if you have HIV?
Accordingly, HIV-negative people who are at risk of HIV infection should be offered PrEP as part of a combined HIV prevention strategy.
Sr Thandi Ngubane stated health practitioners are there to assist residents with any queries, especially those who may find themselves at substantial risk of HIV infection and willing to take medication.
Also read: Clinic urges community to learn their HIV status
Below are some of the criteria used before PrEP is given:
• HIV-negative by routine rapid antibody test
• Absence of symptoms of acute HIV infection
• Willing and able to take PrEP as prescribed
• No contra-indications to ARV combination drugs.
Some individuals may report minor side effects in the first month of using PrEP, such as diarrhoea, headache, abdominal pain and nausea.
Patients who experience any of the side effects are encouraged to discuss this with their professional nurse.
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