Your immune system is constantly working to keep you healthy. By fighting off harmful substances like germs, chemicals, toxins, and even damaged cells, your immune system is an unsung hero — keeping you safe, even when you aren’t aware.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks your immune system. If not treated, this can lead to a condition called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency system).
Currently, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS. While there are ways to control HIV to live a long and healthy life, the best way to stay healthy is to protect yourself against HIV altogether.
At Children’s Nebraska, our number one priority is patient safety, and that includes proactively protecting our patients from sexually-acquired HIV.
HIV prevention measures include:
- Not having sex (also known as abstinence)
- Getting tested and treated for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Making sure any partner that has HIV gets and stays in treatment
- Using condoms properly during sex
- Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which — when taken properly — is highly effective in preventing HIV from sex (and, to a lesser degree, HIV from IV drug use)
All HIV prevention measures can play a role in keeping teens safe. Here’s what you should know about one effective approach — pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
What Is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP, is a medication people at risk of HIV can take to prevent getting HIV.
PrEP is approved for use in teens who do not have HIV and weigh at least 75 pounds. The medication can be useful in protecting teens if they have had vaginal or anal sex in the past 6 months and have:
- A sexual partner (or partners) who has HIV,
- Uncertainty if sexual partners (or partners) might have HIV,
- Not always used a condom, OR
- Been diagnosed with an STD in the previous 6 months
Are There Risks to Taking PrEP?
PrEP is a safe medication that is approved for use in teens. As with many medications, there are potential side effects when taking PrEP, such as:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
In most cases, these side effects are minor and decrease over time.
PrEP Information For Teens
Part of growing up is learning to make decisions about your health. The decision to take PrEP should not be taken lightly, and it may be an important part of preventing HIV.
HIV is a real risk among teens. Most teens get HIV through sexual transmission (sexual contact), which includes both vaginal and anal sex. IV drug use of any kind is another common method of exposure to HIV.
PrEP is an important part of staying safe, especially if you have a higher risk of being exposed to HIV. More than 80% of new HIV infections are in teen males who have sex with other males.
Taking PrEP is just one part of the picture. Just as important are other HIV prevention measures, including:
- Using condoms during sex — and using them properly
- Getting tested for STDs
- Talking to potential sexual partners about getting tested for STDs
- Understanding the role of alcohol and drugs in making risky decisions, and taking steps to keep a clear mind
PrEP Information For Parents And Caregivers
As a parent or caregiver of a teenager, you have one of the most difficult jobs out there. Making the decision for your teen to take pre-exposure prophylaxis is a very personal one, but it may be a critical part of keeping them healthy and safe.
Children and teens in the US are living with HIV right now. The majority of teens acquire HIV through sexual transmission (as a result of sexual contact).
Unfortunately, many teens with HIV are not aware they are HIV positive.
PrEP is an important part of keeping your teen safe, especially if they have a higher risk of being exposed to HIV. This includes if they are gay or bisexual. Most new HIV infections — more than 80% — are in adolescent males who have sex with males.
Many teens lack basic information about HIV and protecting themselves, so it’s important to talk to your teen about safe sex. These conversations will also help your teen understand more about HIV risk transmission. Be sure to talk to them about:
- Other ways to prevent HIV, such as abstinence, proper condom use and choosing less risky sexual activities
- When and how to get tested for STDs
- Talking with potential sexual partners about STDs, including whether or not they’ve been tested
- The possible impacts of drug and alcohol use on risky behaviors
- If taking PrEP, how to take it properly for increased effectiveness
As a parent or caregiver, your support is critical. If your teen does take PrEP, show them that you support their decision. This will help keep communication honest and open as they make decisions about sex.
HIV Prevention: Support, Communication, and Being PrEPared
At Children’s, we are committed to keeping our children and teens safe and healthy. When it comes to HIV prevention, we’re here to support parents, caregivers, and teens in taking every step necessary to protect our young patients.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teen, talking about safe sex might feel uncomfortable at first. However, it is a crucial part of the decision to take PrEP for HIV prevention. And remember — you’re not alone in these conversations. Our pediatricians can help guide these talks and share important information about preventing HIV.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis is just one part of HIV prevention. Along with honest communication and endless support, we can keep teens HIV-free.
Do you have questions about pre-exposure prophylaxis? Our medical team is happy to answer any questions about benefits or side effects of PrEP and to support your decision to stay healthy and safe. Patients can partner with our physician to determine if PrEP is the right course of preventative treatment for them.