Doctors taking HIV Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

This refer to the posting 'Docs take anti-Aids drugs, but keep mum' by, P.

LAXMI.

On the issue of doctors taking Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), I may please add

two aspects from my personal experience in guiding PEP.

In situations where exposure has definitely taken place and PEP is definitely

indicated, even many senior doctors do not comply with PEP instructions.

Often,it is given up because of headache,nausea etc.There is a definite need to

educate the PEP candidates better.Perhaps,I have failed.

Another practical problem relates to the fact that needle prick is extremely

frequent and it is not practical to institute PEP each time. We need to have

rapid HIV tests widely available and also need to have a system whereby it is

possible to test the source patient without delay. AIDS activists should also

realize this.

Sandeep Saluja

E-mail: <drsaluja@...>