PrEP & PEP

U=U

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Hey719 provides free, non-committal PrEP Navigation where our navigator can consult & assist with:

  • Answering questions about PrEP and PEP

  • Providing instruction on how to start the process of getting on PrEP

  • Giving information on local resources & cost assistance

Ready to get started? Contact a PrEP Navigator or fill out the interest form!

Bilingual (English/Spanish) PrEP Navigator Lead:

Manuel Melendez: (970) 260-9454 (call or text)

Manuel.Melendez@coloradohealthnetwork.org

PrEP = Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

PrEP is short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP has been shown to be up to 99% effective at preventing sexual transmission of HIV, and up to 74% effective at preventing HIV transmission through injection drug use when taken as prescribed. It works by preventing HIV from replicating within your cells, meaning the virus cannot establish an infection.

PEP = Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a short course of medication prescribed by a medical provider that can be taken after a possible exposure to HIV.

PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after recent possible exposure to HIV.

Undetectable = Untransmittable

People living with HIV can achieve a status called U=U, or undetectable = untransmittable. This means that someone living with HIV has a viral load that is so low they cannot transmit HIV, even without using condoms or PrEP.

A person living with HIV can achieve this status by adhering to their medication ART. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps treat HIV, but it is important to note that it does not cure HIV. It is an effective way to help improve the health of people living with HIV. It also helps reduce the amount of virus in a person’s blood, which will help them achieve that status of undetectable. Becoming undetectable happens when the virus is under 200 copies/mL of blood. Once undetectability occurs for at least 6 months, the person living with HIV can achieve the status of untransmittable. This is when they cannot transmit HIV to their partner(s) during sex, even when they do not use a condom.

For more information, visit the Prevention Access Campaign to learn more!

The Future of HIV

This video explains how prevention and treatment are working towards an HIV free future, and how new medications are making that possible.