Post-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PEP, is a critical tool in the fight against HIV. It is a short-term antiretroviral treatment started immediately after potential exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold. Understanding how PEP works and when to use it can save lives and reduce the spread of HIV. What is PEP? PEP HIV Prevention Guide PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is a medical treatment designed to prevent HIV infection after a person has