HIV, PrEP and PEP
HIV is now a manageable long-term condition. Treatment lets people live a normal lifespan, and people with an undetectable viral load don’t pass HIV on through sex. Testing and PrEP keep new cases falling.
Ways to prevent HIV
- BeforePrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)A tablet taken daily (or on demand for some people) before possible exposure. Any doctor in Australia can prescribe it, and it’s on the PBS.
- Works
- Lowers the chance of getting HIV through sex by up to 99% when taken as directed
- Cost
- PBS co-payment; free at some sexual health clinics
- How long
- As long as you’re at risk
- Watch for
- Needs an HIV test first and every 3 months, plus kidney checks
Boring daily tablet, remarkable protection.
- Always usefulCondomsProtect against HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections.
- Works
- Highly effective when used every time
- Cost
- Cheap; often free at clinics
- How long
- Each time
- Watch for
- Use water- or silicone-based lube
Still the all-rounder.
- AfterPEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)A month of HIV medicines after a possible exposure, such as condomless sex or a needle injury.
- Works
- Most effective the sooner you start: within 72 hours at the latest, ideally within 24
- Cost
- Usually free at emergency departments and sexual health clinics
- How long
- 28 days
- Watch for
- Not needed after sex with a partner who has an undetectable viral load
A deadline, not a maybe: 72 hours.
- PartnerTreatment as prevention (U=U)A person with HIV on treatment with an undetectable viral load doesn’t transmit HIV through sex.
- Works
- Proven in large studies of couples
- Cost
- Treatment is PBS-subsidised
- How long
- Ongoing
- Watch for
- Keep taking treatment and having regular viral load tests
Undetectable = untransmittable.
Testing
- Test at least once if you’ve ever been at risk, and regularly (every 3–12 months) if you have ongoing risk.
- Tests are free or low cost at sexual health clinics and through GPs.
- Recent exposure may not show up straight away. Your clinic will advise when to retest.
- In 2024, about 38% of new diagnoses in Australia were late, after the immune system was already affected. Earlier testing means earlier treatment.
HIV in Australia
- 757 new diagnoses in 2024, down 27% from 2015.
- About 30,900 people living with HIV; an estimated 6% don’t know it.
- 95% of people diagnosed are on treatment, and 98% of those have a suppressed viral load.
- PrEP has been on the PBS since 1 April 2018.
See your GP or a sexual health clinic if
- You’d like a test or to start PrEP
- You have a new partner or partners and want a sexual health check
- You have a flu-like illness with rash or swollen glands 2–4 weeks after a possible exposure
Possible exposure in the last 72 hours? Go to a sexual health clinic or emergency department today and ask about PEP. Don’t wait for Monday.
Common questions
What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?
PrEP is taken before possible exposure to prevent HIV, usually as a daily tablet. PEP is a 28-day course of HIV medicines started within 72 hours after a possible exposure.
How effective is PrEP?
Taken as directed, PrEP lowers the chance of getting HIV through sex by up to 99%. It doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
Where can I get PEP?
Emergency departments, sexual health clinics and some GPs who specialise in HIV. It’s usually free at hospitals and sexual health clinics. Start as soon as possible, within 72 hours.
What does U=U mean?
Undetectable = Untransmittable. A person with HIV whose viral load stays undetectable on treatment doesn’t pass HIV on through sex.
Can people with HIV live a normal life?
Yes. With effective treatment started early, people with HIV can expect a near-normal lifespan, work, have relationships and have children.
How many people have HIV in Australia?
About 30,900 at the end of 2024, with 757 new diagnoses that year.
Helpful resources
- Healthdirect: PEPWhere to get PEP and state PEP phone lines. Free, Australia.
- Ending HIVTesting, PrEP and treatment information. Free.
Evidence and more information
- Kirby Institute: HIV Annual Surveillance Report 2025
- Healthdirect: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
- NSW Health: PrEP PBS listing, 1 April 2018
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