Preventing HIV in adolescents with non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis

Post-exposure prophylaxis is a potentially effective intervention to prevent transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to adolescents. The use of post-exposure prophylaxis for occupational HIV exposures is well established. Its efficacy for non-occupational exposures has only recently been studied. Italian pediatricians should follow available guidelines in determining whether at-risk adolescent patients should initiate PEP and which medications should be offered. Adolescents who initiate PEP should be followed closely for medication toxicity and acute seroconversion and should be counseled on risk-reduction.