What is the acute management for an exposed individual after potential HIV exposure?

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment is the acute management recommended for individuals who have been potentially exposed to HIV. PEP involves administering antiretroviral medications within 72 hours of exposure to reduce the risk of HIV infection. It is most effective when started as soon as possible after potential exposure, ideally within a few hours. PEP treatments typically continue for 28 days and should be combined with regular follow-up visits to monitor for any side effects and to conduct HIV testing.

While regular testing for HIV antibodies, supportive care and counseling, and immediate surgical intervention are important in many medical contexts, they are not the primary focus immediately following potential exposure to HIV. Regular testing is part of ongoing monitoring rather than acute management, supportive care and counseling are essential but are secondary to the urgent need for PEP, and immediate surgical intervention is not indicated in the management of a potential HIV exposure. Therefore, initiating PEP as a preventive measure is the correct and essential acute response to reduce the chance of HIV infection following exposure.