Possible HIV exposure?
This page is for the next few hours. Read the first three lines, then go.
Not yet clinically reviewed. The wording below follows public guidance from the CDC, WHO, the NHS and Terrence Higgins Trust, but a clinician has not signed it off yet. If in doubt, go to a clinic or emergency department.
The short version
- PEP is a 28-day course of HIV medicine started after a possible exposure. It must start within 72 hours — within 24 is better. Every hour matters.
- Don’t wait to be sure. Only a clinician can decide if you need it — so go and ask.
- Go to a sexual health clinic that offers PEP. If it’s closed, go to a hospital emergency department and say “I need PEP for HIV exposure”.
Where to go right now
Pick your city. Clinics with PEP confirmed are marked; if none are open, the city page lists the emergency number and any PEP hotline.
- Bangkok Thailand 1 clinic with PEP confirmed
- Berlin Germany PEP not yet confirmed at 1 listed clinic — use an emergency department
- London United Kingdom 1 clinic with PEP confirmed
- Sydney Australia PEP not yet confirmed at 1 listed clinic — use an emergency department
Not in a covered city? Search maps for “sexual health clinic” or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Emergency departments in most countries can start PEP.
What to say
“I may have been exposed to HIV about N hours ago. I’d like to be assessed for PEP.” Bring what happened and when, and any medicines you take.
You’ll usually have a rapid HIV test first, and a short risk assessment. If PEP is started you take tablets for 28 days and have a follow-up test afterwards. Some people get nausea or tiredness in the first days.
More than 72 hours ago?
PEP is unlikely to be offered. Get an HIV test now and again later — the clinic will tell you when. If you’re worried, still talk to a clinic today; there may be other things to check.
Cost when travelling
In some countries PEP is free to everyone at public sexual health clinics (for example NHS clinics in the UK). Elsewhere you may pay, and travel insurance may not cover it. Ask about cost — but don’t let it delay you.
Also think about
- Emergency contraception, if relevant.
- Support after sexual assault — clinics and emergency departments can connect you.
- An STI check about two weeks later, and an HIV test as the clinic advises.
Where To Test is a directory, not a clinical service. We can’t tell you whether you need PEP; a clinician can. If in doubt, go. Sources: CDC on PEP, WHO 2024 PEP guideline, NHS, Terrence Higgins Trust.