Postexposure Prophylaxis for HIV

Health care workers are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infectious pathogens through exposure to blood and body fluids. Antiretroviral medications have been prescribed for postexposure prophylaxis following occupational exposure to the HIV since the early 1990s. This practice has since been extended to nonoccupational situations, such as sexual assaults. The efficacy of prophylactic therapy may be highly time-dependent and should be initiated as soon as possible. Wound care management and referral for social, medical, or advocacy services remain important for all cases.