Overview
Infection after injection refers to the risk of acquiring infections, particularly HIV, following nonoccupational exposure to contaminated needles or other percutaneous injuries. Postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is a strategy to prevent transmission of such infections.Diagnosis
HIV testing (rapid or laboratory-based antigen/antibody combination) is recommended before initiating nPEP 1.Management
Nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) for HIV is recommended for exposures presenting a substantial risk for HIV transmission when the source has HIV without sustained viral suppression or unknown viral suppression status 1.
Initiate the first dose of nPEP as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours after exposure 1.
Do not delay the initial nPEP dose due to pending laboratory test results 1.
The recommended duration of nPEP is 28 days 1.
Newer antiretroviral agents and updated nPEP indication considerations are included in current guidelines 1.Key Recommendations
Nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) for HIV is recommended for exposures with a substantial risk for HIV transmission and an HIV-positive source with unknown or unsuppressed viral load 1. (Evidence: Strong)
Initiate nPEP as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours after exposure 1. (Evidence: Strong)
The recommended duration for nPEP is 28 days 1. (Evidence: Strong)References
1 Tanner MR, O'Shea JG, Byrd KM, Johnston M, Dumitru GG, Le JN et al.. Antiretroviral Postexposure Prophylaxis After Sexual, Injection Drug Use, or Other Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV - CDC Recommendations, United States, 2025. MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports 2025. link