New Canadian guideline provides evidence-based approach to non-occupational HIV prophylaxis

The incidence of HIV infections in Canada has increased yearly since 2014. New cases of HIV have resulted almost exclusively from non-occupational exposures, including sexual contact and needle sharing. Appropriate HIV post-exposure prophylaxis is under-prescribed to patients who present to the emergency department after a high-risk exposure. In November of 2017, a Canadian guideline on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) was published. The guideline presents a standardized, evidence-based approach to assessing risk for HIV transmission and prescribing HIV prophylaxis. This summary highlights the key points from the guideline that are relevant to the practice of emergency medicine in Canada.