A few things of which to be aware from CDC on HIV in the US that may impact your forensic practice:
Understanding the Impact of HIV: Diagnoses, Incidence and Prevalence (PDF)
HIV Among Women Fact Sheet (PDF)
Transmission Patterns in a Low HIV-Morbidity State — Wisconsin, 2014–2017
*And your reminder for assessing risk for HIV following sexual assault:
Recommendations for postexposure HIV risk assessment of adolescent and adult survivors within 72 hours of sexual assault
- Assess risk for HIV infection in the assailant, and test that person for HIV whenever possible.
- Use the algorithm to evaluate the survivor for the need for HIV nPEP (Figure) (312).
- Consult with a specialist in HIV treatment if nPEP is being considered.
- If the survivor appears to be at risk for acquiring HIV from the assault, discuss nPEP, including benefits and risks.
- If the survivor chooses to start nPEP (312), provide enough medication to last until the follow-up visit at 3–7 days after initial assessment and assess tolerance to medications.
- If nPEP is started, perform CBC and serum chemistry at baseline.
- Perform an HIV antibody test at original assessment; repeat at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
Assistance with nPEP-related decisions can be obtained by calling the National Clinician’s Post Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEP Line) (telephone: 888–448–4911).
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