Jacksonville – There are many ways to prevent HIV transmission. Of course, there are abstinence, mutual monogamy and condoms, which have been drilled into our minds over years, but are not always realistic.
Some other strategies have emerged in the past 15 years and are very effective. The first one of these is treatment for prevention. 90% of new HIV infections come from people who are not on HIV medication. We know that people who are on medicine (and are taking it well, so their virus is undetectable) WILL NOT TRANSMIT HIV. This is why testing and early access to treatment are essential.
Another strategy is PrEP. This is medication that is taken by an individual who is at risk for HIV to decrease (by over 95%) their risk of acquiring HIV. These medications can be taken orally every day, as an injection taken every other month, and now as an injection taken twice a year.
The twice a year injection (approved by the FDA on June 18th, 2025) is manufactured by Gilead and is called Yeztugo (lenacapavir). It is 99% effective in preventing HIV infection. The most common side effects are pain or a knot at the site of injection.
For people who are not on PrEP and have a “scare”, we can also provide nPEP, which is medicine taken soon after an exposure happens. This is not used as frequently as it should, because many people don’t know it exists, or because people don’t know where to get it. Midway Specialty Care in Jacksonville provides a 24/7 emergency number to access nPEP. www.midwaycare.com
