ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Pre-exposure prophylaxis

Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP is a medicine that people can take to lower their risk of getting a disease called HIV. HIV is a serious illness that can make you very sick and can affect your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off other infections.

Think of it as taking a special pill every day to help prevent getting sick. Just like how you take vitamins to stay healthy, PrEP is a medicine that can protect you from getting HIV before you even have a chance to catch it.

It's important to know that PrEP is designed to be taken every day, even if you don’t think you'll be exposed to HIV. If you don't take it every day, it might not work as well to prevent the disease.

PrEP is recommended for people who are at high risk of getting HIV. This includes people who have unprotected sex, people who have shared needles or inject drugs, and people who have a partner who is HIV-positive.

Remember, PrEP is not a cure for HIV. It's just a way to reduce your risk of getting the disease. But if you do end up getting HIV, there are other treatments available that can help manage the disease and keep you healthy.

Don't forget, if you're ever unsure about anything related to your health, you should always talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out the best way to stay healthy and safe from illnesses like HIV.