PEP in Chiang Mai: what to do after possible HIV exposure
If you have had a possible HIV exposure, do not wait or try to decide alone. PEP is time-sensitive and generally needs assessment within 72 hours. This guide explains what to do, what to bring, and when to contact the clinic or go to hospital instead.
Quick answer
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an antiretroviral medication course taken after a possible HIV exposure. It generally needs prompt medical assessment within 72 hours after the possible exposure. A doctor assessment and baseline testing are required before PEP can be started. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. Consultations at Klaibaan Clinic are confidential and non-judgmental.
What is PEP and how does it work?
PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a short course of antiretroviral medication taken after a possible HIV exposure to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
PEP works by blocking HIV from establishing a permanent infection in the body after a possible exposure. For PEP to be effective:
- It should be assessed promptly after the exposure and started if appropriate after doctor assessment
- It is generally considered appropriate up to 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure
- The full course must be completed — PEP is usually taken daily for approximately 28 days
- Adherence (not missing doses) is important for PEP to work as well as possible
PEP is not a guarantee. When started promptly and completed correctly, it can significantly reduce HIV risk after a possible exposure. It is not 100% effective, and it does not protect against STIs other than HIV.
Seek assessment as soon as possible
Seek prompt assessment even if:
- Waiting to see if symptoms develop — many people with HIV have no symptoms; this is not a reliable guide
- Waiting to find out the HIV status of a source person — assessment can begin while this is being determined
- Waiting for a more convenient time — every hour matters for PEP effectiveness
- Thinking the risk was low — let a doctor assess the risk, not just your own judgment
If your possible exposure was within the last 72 hours, seek medical assessment as soon as possible. Tell the doctor you need assessment for PEP after a possible HIV exposure. Timing, exposure type, and baseline testing are important for deciding whether PEP is appropriate.
When hospital care is the safest option
Go directly to hospital or emergency department if:
- You experienced a sexual assault — hospital care is needed for comprehensive support, forensic documentation, PEP assessment, and referral to specialist services
- You have severe injury, bleeding, or distress related to the situation
- You feel unsafe or are in an emergency situation
- You are unsure whether the exposure warrants PEP and the clinic cannot be reached
What happens at the clinic during PEP assessment
When you come to Klaibaan Clinic for PEP assessment, the doctor will:
- Take a brief history: the doctor will ask about the timing of the possible exposure, the type of exposure, and any known information about the source person's HIV status if relevant. This is handled respectfully and without judgment.
- Assess whether PEP may be appropriate: not every possible exposure results in PEP being recommended. The doctor will assess the risk based on the type of exposure, the timing, and other clinical factors.
- Arrange baseline tests: a baseline HIV test is required before PEP can be started. Other tests — kidney function, hepatitis B — may also be arranged.
- Explain the medication and follow-up: if PEP is considered appropriate, the doctor will explain what the medication is, how to take it, the importance of completing the full course, possible side effects, and when to return for follow-up HIV testing.
Klaibaan Medical Clinic provides PEP assessment, HIV/STI consultation, and related testing. If you are worried about a recent exposure, contact the clinic so the doctor can advise on timing, preparation, and baseline testing.
What to bring
- Passport or other identificationFor clinic registration.
- Exposure timing and detailsApproximate date/time, exposure type, and source information if known.
- Current medicines and allergiesSome antiretroviral medicines interact with other medications.
- Previous HIV or STI test resultsIf available, these help establish baseline status.
- Hepatitis B status or vaccine historyHelpful when choosing medications and follow-up tests.
After completing PEP
After the 28-day PEP course, follow-up is still important.
- Follow-up HIV testingThe doctor will advise the recommended timing after completion.
- Possible STI screeningDepending on the exposure, testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other infections may be appropriate.
- Ongoing prevention discussionIf similar situations may recur, PrEP may be a better long-term prevention option than repeated PEP use.
How Klaibaan Clinic can help
Klaibaan Medical Clinic in San Sai, Chiang Mai provides PEP consultation for English-speaking patients when within the clinic’s outpatient services and timing. The clinic can:
- Assess whether PEP may be appropriate based on timing and exposure type
- Arrange baseline HIV testing and other relevant tests
- Explain the medication course, dosing schedule, and follow-up requirements
- Arrange follow-up testing after PEP completion
- Discuss PrEP as an ongoing prevention option after PEP is completed
You can contact the clinic on LINE before visiting if you have questions about preparation or whether PEP may be appropriate. Early assessment is important after a recent possible exposure.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly do I need to start PEP after a possible HIV exposure?
PEP should be assessed promptly after a possible HIV exposure. It is generally considered within 72 hours (3 days) from the possible exposure, and earlier assessment is better. Do not rely on symptoms; contact the clinic or seek medical assessment promptly so the next step can be advised.
What happens at the clinic when I come for PEP assessment?
The doctor will ask about the timing and type of possible exposure, perform a brief assessment, and arrange baseline HIV testing and other relevant tests. If PEP is considered appropriate, the doctor will explain the medication, the duration of the course, the importance of completing it, and follow-up testing requirements. Not every possible exposure will result in PEP being recommended — the doctor will assess what is appropriate for your specific situation.
What if I am not sure whether I need PEP?
Seek medical assessment as soon as possible after a possible HIV exposure. The doctor will assess timing, exposure type, baseline testing, and whether PEP is appropriate. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
Is PEP a guarantee that I will not acquire HIV?
No. When taken correctly, promptly, and for the full course, PEP can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. However, it is not 100% effective. Adherence to the full 28-day course without interruption is important. Follow-up HIV testing after completing PEP is also required to confirm the outcome.
Should I consider PrEP after taking PEP?
If you have taken PEP after a possible exposure, it may be appropriate to discuss PrEP with a doctor as an ongoing prevention strategy. PrEP is planned prevention taken before exposure rather than after. The doctor can discuss whether PrEP is suitable for your situation after PEP is completed and follow-up testing is done.
References and related pages
Selected references and related clinic pages for further reading.
Need PEP assessment in Chiang Mai?
If the possible exposure was within the last 72 hours, contact the clinic as soon as possible for assessment. Early assessment is important.