The best way to prevent HIV infection is to: use condoms and a water-based lubricant for anal and vaginal sex never share needles, syringes or other injecting equipment make sure all tattooing, piercing and other procedures use sterilised equipment Pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis is a daily pill for people who are at high risk of getting HIV. It is highly effective at preventing HIV infection, but it does not stop you from getting other STIs. Daily PrEP is recommended for all people who are at risk of HIV infection. PrEP can also be used only at times you are likely to be exposed (known as ‘on demand’), rather than every day, but this is not suitable for everyone and its effectiveness is still being tested. You can talk to your doctor or sexual health clinic about PrEP. Post-exposure prophylaxis Medications can sometimes prevent HIV from infecting a person who has been exposed. This is known as PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). It involves taking HIV medications for 4 weeks after exposure. It is best to start PEP as soon as possible, and within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure. Some doctors can provide PEP. Otherwise, you can get PEP by going to a hospital emergency department. You can find out more about PEP by talking to a doctor or calling a HIV PEP hotline in your state or territory. You can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit the Get PEP website for details on local PEP services across all states and territories. Needle and syringe programs (NSPs) Needle and syringe programs provide clean needles or syringes to people who inject drugs, reducing the risk of the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. This is sometimes referred to as ‘needle exchange’. The types of NSP outlet vary, from participating pharmacies to vending machines. Find an NSP in your state or territory: Australian Capital Territory New South Wales Northern Territory Queensland South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia You can also find a local needle and syringe program using the healthdirect Service Finder. Select ‘By name’ and type ‘needle’ into the search bar.