PrEP 101


Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a once-a-day medication for anyone without HIV who wants extra peace of mind.

Use our PrEP 101 toolkit to get answers to all of your questions

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HIV Prevention with PrEP | Nexus Chicago

At Nexus, we provide HIV prevention, education, and support for individuals across Chicagoland. One of the most effective ways to prevent HIV is PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)—a daily or on-demand medication that helps HIV-negative individuals reduce their risk of infection.

Who Should Consider PrEP?

PrEP is recommended for individuals at higher risk of HIV, including those who:

  • Have unprotected sex with multiple partners

  • Have a partner who is HIV-positive

  • Share needles for drug use

  • Live in areas with high HIV rates

How PrEP Works

PrEP helps block the HIV virus from spreading in the body if exposure occurs. When taken consistently, it can reduce the risk of HIV by 99% through sex and 74% through injection drug use.

💡 Important:

PrEP does not protect against other STIs—using condoms is still recommended for full protection.

Get PrEP in Chicago with Nexus

Get PrEP in Chicago with Nexus

  • Affordable PrEP prescriptions

  • Free or low-cost HIV testing

  • One-on-one education & support

📍 Serving Chicago and surrounding areas—find a PrEP provider near you today!➡ Contact Nexus Now to learn more about PrEP and HIV prevention.

Let's talk about PrEP!

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a great tool for protecting your sexual health, and we're here to answer your questions in a way that's easy to understand and puts your mind at ease.

How do I take PrEP for HIV?

PrEP is a pill that you take once a day, every day. It's important to take it consistently to keep the right amount of the drug in your body for maximum protection. Your doctor will also have you come in for regular checkups and HIV tests while you're on PrEP.

Where can I go to learn more about PrEP?

There are lots of great resources out there! A few to check out: • The CDC's PrEP page: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html • PleasePrEPMe.org: https://www.pleaseprepme.org/ • Your local LGBTQ+ community center or HIV/AIDS service organization

How do I get PrEP for free or low-cost?

Do I need insurance?There are a few ways to get help paying for PrEP: • Many insurance plans cover PrEP, including Medicaid in some states • Drug assistance programs can help with co-pays or provide PrEP for free if you don't have insurance • Some community health centers and clinics offer PrEP on a sliding fee scale based on your income

What happens if you take PrEP while HIV positive?

PrEP is only meant for people who are HIV-negative. If someone who already has HIV takes PrEP instead of their regular HIV treatment, the virus could develop resistance to the medications in PrEP. This means those drugs might not work as well to treat their HIV in the future. If you're HIV-positive, it's crucial to work closely with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for you, which will likely include different medications than those used in PrEP.

Does PrEP prevent HIV?

Yes, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. Studies show that PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%. It works by stopping the virus from taking hold and spreading in your body if you're exposed to it. Just remember, PrEP doesn't protect against other STIs, so it's still important to use condoms for added protection.

Can HIV be detected while on PrEP?

Yes, HIV tests can still detect HIV infection while someone is taking PrEP. Regular HIV testing is actually an important part of being on PrEP to make sure it's working effectively.

What is PrEP for HIV?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can help prevent HIV infection. It's for people who don't have HIV but are at higher risk of getting it.

Can you get HIV from someone on PrEP?

If someone is taking PrEP consistently and correctly, the risk of getting HIV from them is extremely low. PrEP helps protect both partners!

Can you take PrEP if you have HIV?

What happens if you take PrEP while HIV positive?PrEP is only for people who don't have HIV. If someone with HIV takes PrEP instead of their regular HIV treatment, the virus could develop resistance to the medications in PrEP. If you have HIV, it's important to work with your doctor on the right treatment plan for you.

Can you get HIV while on PrEP?

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. But it's still important to use condoms for added protection and to prevent other STIs.

Still have questions?

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