Firstly, don’t freak out. HIV risk in Australia is low, and it’s also a very manageable condition these days. HIV is only transmitted when the virus gets into your bloodstream, so you can’t get HIV from sharing eating utensils or drink bottles, toilet seats, kissing, hand-jobs, even oral sex is considered not a risk.
If the possible exposure happened in the last 72 hours, there is a medication called PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) that can significantly reduce the chance of HIV infection. It is available, through assessment by a clinician at sexual health clinics, emergency departments of major hospitals, and some doctors (called s100 prescribers). You can find your nearest place to get PEP here.
If it’s been a little while since what happened, our team at the RAPID clinic are all trained to answer questions about possible exposures to HIV and can help guide you to what you might need to do next, if anything. Head to their website for all their contact details, opening hours, and if you’re in Brisbane, you can even visit them to speak with a team member, they are walk-in only and free for everyone.
You can also ring your local sexual health clinic and speak with one of their skilled clinicians. Your local GP can also help too.
