post-exposure prophylaxis hours
There is no medical agreement on the time limit for administering PEP. Some healthcare workers suggest beginning PEP 24-36 hours after possible exposure to HIV through rape or unprotected sex, other international guidelines suggest 24-48 hours. South African policy.
However, on average, if no post-exposure prophylaxis is given, the risk is about 0.33% after a needlestick injury. Infection from mucosal exposure has been reported, but rates are very low, around 0.09%3. A CDC study specifically identified four statistically significant risk factors4: