December 1 has been celebrated as World AIDS Day since 1988. Although the care of the sick is considered exemplary in Poland, there is still much to be done in terms of HIV/AIDS prevention. Meanwhile, it is possible and effective, both as a pre- and post-exposure action. However, many people do not know where to go for help and when it will be provided free of charge.
You can effectively protect yourself against HIV infection
Published Dec. 1, 2022 15:01
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According to the latest data from the National Institute of Public Health - National Research Institute, from the beginning of this year, only until the end of July, 1056 new infections were recorded, which is almost a double increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, you can effectively protect yourself against HIV infection.
PrEP MUST BE USED FOR EVERY EXPOSED PERSON
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) consists of taking an oral preparation in the form of tablets containing two antiretroviral substances: tenofovir and emtricitabine. According to doctors, this type of prophylaxis should be used by everyone who is at risk of HIV infection. It does not specify risk groups or key populations, nor the frequency of possible exposure.
– If the risk occurs sporadically, for example once a quarter, short-term PrEP is possible, i.e. two tablets taken before intercourse and one tablet for two days after sex. Women need to take the medicine one week before and one week after. In case of frequent, constant or long-term risk of exposure, one tablet is taken every 24 hours. The pharmacokinetics of PrEP is such that in the case of continuous use, even the omission of single doses does not significantly interfere with the protective effect - explains Dr. of the Silesian Piasts in Wrocław.
Before starting pre-exposure prophylaxis, you should first rule out HIV infection, then get vaccinated against hepatitis B and check your creatinine to assess your kidney function. Most importantly, any doctor, including a primary care physician, can start prescribing PrEP. The list of pharmacies where the drug can be purchased is available on the prep.eud.pl website. After agreement with the manufacturer, any other pharmacy can also sell this preparation. The price of one package is PLN 140.
It is very significant that PrEP is practically fully effective. It is defined as more than 99 percent. protection against HIV. However, it is important to remember that it does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis or gonorrhea.
PEP DRUGS REFUNDED AFTER ACCIDENT EXPOSURE
The issue of post-exposure prophylaxis is somewhat more complicated. While the HIV test and consultation are available to the patient free of charge in outpatient clinics dealing with the prevention of HIV infections, the payment for the drug depends on the circumstances in which the exposure took place. If there is an accident, the drug is available free of charge.
– After the exposure, the patient comes to the center and, as long as he is insured, the visit and tests are free of charge. As for drugs - we are determining whether it was an accident. Then we decide individually whether the patient is entitled to a refund of the drug or will have to receive it in full - says Dr. Bartosz Szetela.
Post-exposure prophylaxis medication should be started as soon as possible, within 48 hours of a potentially risky situation. In every voivodship in Poland there is at least one outpatient clinic dealing with the prevention of HIV infection, which has a contract with the National Health Fund. Theoretically, a visit to it should not require a referral. In practice, in some provinces such a referral is required due to a different interpretation of the regulations.
