Things To Know

  • The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system.
  • HIV can be prevented by PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and treated by PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
  • PrEP: For people who don’t have HIV but are at risk of getting it. PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV. If you do get exposed to HIV while on PrEP, PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body.
  • PEP: For people who may have been exposed to HIV. Used only for emergencies. PEP must be started within 72 hours after being exposed to HIV.

How Do You Get or Transmit HIV?

HIV is often spread through sex or sharing needles. HIV is transmitted through coming into contact with certain body fluids from a person who has or might have HIV in their blood. These fluids are:

  • Blood
  • Semen (cum) and pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum)
  • Rectal fluids
  • Vaginal fluids
  • Breast milk

You cannot get HIV from saliva. Medicine has come a long way since the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. People living with HIV can live many years with the right treatment.

Use PrEP to Prevent HIV Infection

You are HIV negative if you do not have HIV. If you are HIV negative, you can take PrEP to prevent HIV infection. This means taking it before you are exposed to the virus.

Ways to take PrEP

  • One daily pill by mouth each day, or
  • A shot given by a doctor every 2 months, or
  • A shot given by a doctor every 6 months.

4 Steps if You May Have Been Exposed to HIV

  1. Get help right away: Call your PCP, Teladoc, or go to Urgent Care. It is important to start treatment within 72 hours of the exposure.
  2. Start PEP as prescribed: PEP can prevent an infection after you have been exposed to HIV.
  3. Follow your plan: PEP is only taken for 28 days. People usually only have mild side effects.
  4. Follow up with your doctor: Your doctor may want you to take follow-up tests to make sure the medicine is working. They may help you reduce any future risks of HIV exposure.

HIV PrEP and PEP protect against new HIV infections. PrEP is prevention before exposure. PEP is prevention after exposure. Be aware. PrEP and PEP do not protect against other STIs. Learn more about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) here and how to get treatment here.

More STI Preventionv

Talk to your doctor for protection against other STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Your doctor can prescribe DoxyPEP for STI prevention.

DoxyPEP is an antibiotic treatment you can take within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Talk to your doctor to learn more about ways to prevent STIs. DoxyPEP will only work against bacterial infections.

Use both HIV PrEP and DoxyPEP for the best coverage against STIs.

Make an appointment with your doctor today! Find a doctor here.

Your Privacy

These services are called “sensitive services”. You do not need permission from a parent or guardian to see a doctor for sensitive care if you are age 12-18.

At any age, you always have other choices if you do not want to see your primary care provider(PCP). For sexual health care services under sensitive care, you can go to any Medi-Cal provider. You do not need a referral. Please contact SFHP Customer Service if you have questions about sensitive care coverage.

*Your primary care provider (PCP) is your personal doctor if you need a check-up, want advice about a health problem, or get sick or hurt.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: If you need help or have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free), or 711 (TTY), Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.