Post exposure prophylaxis

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) also known as post exposure prevention is any preventive medical treatment started after exposure to a pathogen in order to prevent the infection from occurring. Exposure to blood or body fluid prompts most people to seek immediate medical attention in an emergency department. These exposure have an associated risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus. Post exposure prophylaxis should be used only in emergency situation and must be started with in 72 hrs after a recent possible exposure to infection.