What is the role of PEP for discordant couples?
Discordant couples (couples in which one person is infected and the other is not) should be routinely educated about how to protect the noninfected person. Both partners should be made aware of the possible effectiveness of PEP in cases of intended or unintended exposures and the importance of early initiation of PEP if it is to be used. Repeated, frequent exposures should signal providers to exercise caution about administration of PEP, since PEP should not be a substitute for avoidance of high-risk behavior. Any request for PEP should prompt additional counseling and psychosocial support to enhance behaviors to prevent HIV infection. What is the role of PEP following sexual assault? Persons who have been sexually assaulted should be considered at risk for HIV and HBV, as well as other STDs. The decision to begin PEP should not be based on the perpetrator’s likelihood of infectivity or delayed pending the test results of the source (unless immediately available). Pregnancy is an impor
