How soon after a potential HIV exposure should post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) be initiated?

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV is most effective when administered as soon as possible after potential exposure to the virus. The recommended timeframe for initiating PEP is within 72 hours (3 days) following a potential exposure. Research indicates that starting PEP within this time frame can significantly reduce the likelihood of HIV infection. However, the efficacy of the treatment diminishes the longer one waits, making timely intervention critical.

Initiating PEP after 72 hours is generally not recommended, as studies show that the chance of preventing HIV infection decreases notably. While some interventions may be possible beyond this window, the standard guideline emphasizes the importance of starting treatment within 72 hours for optimal effectiveness. Thus, the correct answer reflects the critical time window for intervention following a potential HIV exposure.