If you have genital herpes, then you have a higher risk for contracting HIV during a sexual encounter. This may affect your choice to take HIV PEP after a known HIV exposure.
Genital herpes is a common viral STD that causes sores to appear on the genitals. Once acquired, the virus can persist in the body for life. The sores will heal, but the virus can later reactivate and cause new sores to appear. The frequency of outbreaks varies from person to person. There is medication available that can make outbreaks less frequent and less severe, but the medication can’t eliminate the virus from the body.
During an outbreak of %genital herpes%, you’re at a higher risk of contracting HIV. This is because the sores cause breaks in the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. Because the barrier is broken, the virus can more easily access the bloodstream. When HIV gets into the blood, it has the chance to start a persistent infection.
After an exposure to HIV, a person can take medications to reduce the risk of acquiring a lifelong HIV infection. This is called postexposure prophylaxis, or HIV PEP. The most common scenario where %HIV PEP% is recommended is for healthcare workers who are exposed to HIV in the course of their work.
However, HIV PEP may also be recommended for others. After a sexual assault, HIV PEP is often recommended. If the victim has genital herpes, then this recommendation may be stronger. Similarly, people with genital herpes who have a known exposure to HIV may need %HIV PEP in Singapore%.
PEP is not recommended for those who have ongoing exposure because of risky behavior (such as unprotected sex with new sex partners, or injection drug use). Rather, HIV PEP is recommended for those who have a single known exposure to the virus. HIV PEP in Singapore can be obtained through an STD clinic, which is also up-to-date on the latest recommendations. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, visit an STD clinic to consult with an expert on whether you may need an HIV test and HIV PEP.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 19 May 2016. Accessed 14 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Diseases and conditions – genital herpes.” Mayo Clinic. Published 21 May 2014. Accessed 14 Jun 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/basics/causes/con-20020893
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV Basics – Testing.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 5 May 2016. Accessed 14 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. “Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).” AIDS.gov. Published 21 Sep 2015. Accessed 14 Jun 2016. https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/
References
Genital at Shim Clinic, Singapore