Dana Alsader Project Two Professor Brown English 1102 Risks of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) I. Introduction A.

General Introduction: A study shows that 62 recent rape victims were interviewed an average of 6 weeks after being raped to examine fear or concern about contracting HIV as a result of rape. Fifty-seven of the 62 women (91.9%) reported some degree of initial fear or post rape concern about contracting HIV as a result of the rape, and 45 of the 62 women (72.6%) reported that they were extremely fearful or concerned about contracting HIV. Women who were extremely fearful or concerned about contracting HIV were more likely to have been raped by a stranger. (jiv.sagepub.com) B. Basic Context HIV stands for Human immunodeficiency virus, a retrovirus that causes AIDS. It weakens the immune system by damaging important cells that fight disease and infection. C. Perspectives I belive that there is a big chance for the rape victim to get HIV and having PEP is very risky, however, many other resources belive that it is a good treatment for HIV. According to Rape and HIV Prevention article, there are many ways that would reduce the chances of getting HIV after exposure to the virus. Bu using PEP D. Thesis Statement: In order to prevent HIV/AIDS that affect the rape Vitims we have to take the consideration of the negative and positive affects of PEP as a treatment. II. Opposition Perspective There are many ways that help rape victims to lower the chance of getting HIV. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is one of the treatments that could avoid HIV. After getting the exposure, the victims dont get HIV+ immediately; it may takes hours or days for it to reproduce in the body. It is beilive that PEP is very effective in stopping HIV infection. However, it is not 100 % effective. The sooner the victims start it, the more effective it is. PEP is going to be taking for four weeks in order to prevent the HIV. Some victims suffered from many side effects after having PEP such as weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting. Accepted Context: The conditions in this perspective would be correct if the victims start taking PEP treatment as soon as possible. PEP consists of medications that treat HIV such as: Antiretroviral medication, lamivudine 150mg, nelfinavir 1250mg and zidovudine 250mg.

III. Writer's Perspective I belive that PEP is not always the solution for HIV, which is resulted from rape. According to Aids.org, The benefits of PEP for non-occupational exposure have not been proven. This use of PEP is controversial because some people fear it will encourage unsafe behaviors. In addition, PEP is a four-week program of two or three ARVs, several times a day. The medications have serious side effects that can make it difficult to finish the program. PEP is not 100% effective; it cannot guarantee that exposure to HIV will not become a case of HIV infection. In addition, It says that the cost of having PEP is very high. Accepted Context: I think PEP should be started as soon as possible after exposure to HIV. The medications used in PEP depend on the exposure to HIV. For serious exposures, I agree with the U.S. Public Health Service when it recommends using a combination of three approved ARVs for four weeks. For less serious exposure, the guidelines recommend four weeks of treatment with two drugs: AZT and 3TC. In order to refute the opposition's perspective, I searched online and found that In January 2001, the Centers for Disease Control warned against using nevirapine for PEP because of the risk of liver damage. In addition there are many side effects that would harm the person who is taking PEP as a way to prevent HIV. IV. Common Ground) - Proposed Solution According to patirnt.co.uk, there are many important factors when considering PEP: It is important and guidance to preventing avoidable exposure Understanding the risks of occupational exposure is very important to both the healthcare worker and the student. Urgent advice regarding needle stick injury or other occupational exposure. If the HIV status of the source patient is unknown or test results are delayed, The views of the exposed healthcare worker should be taken into account by considering PEP PEP is up to 80% effective but requires speed of thought and action. The window of opportunity to prevent systemic viral dissemination is narrow.

Context: There should be cooperation between both the schools and the organizations that educate about the risks of PEP. - Implementation: Just do the steps above. Dont be disappointed about having HIV. Always think about the positive things. Search more about the issue and find good doctor to help you prevent from HIV - Resources: There are limited solutions to HIV that results from rape. However, dont give up. The most important thing is thinking positive and, try to find the solutions as soon as possible. V. Alternatives

Practice safe sex for at least six month after the rape incident; Return to the health facility for follow-up tests and counseling at six weeks, three months, six months, and one year after the rape incident. Be tested and treated for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

VI. Concluding Statements Before thinking about PEP as a solution to prevent HIV, think about the positive and negative effects of it. PEP could be positive if you start taking it as so as possible after the infection of HIV. : Antiretroviral medication, lamivudine 150mg, nelfinavir 1250mg and zidovudine 250mg could be good medication. The negative affects of PEP are getting very bad side affects such as headache and weakness. Finding a good doctor can help you stop the HIV infection.

Works Cited James, M. (2010). Rape and HIV (Retrieved from http://www.hiv-there-is-hope.com/rape-andhiv.html

Richard, D. (2012). HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. www.patient.co.uk, Retrieved from http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Post-HIV-Exposure-Prophylaxis.htm Treatment after exposure to HIV. aids.org 2011)., Retrieved from http://www.aids.org/topics/aids-treatment/treatment-hiv/