HIV Infection Post Exposure Specialist Doctor In Mumbai HIV infection is acquired through sexual contact, exposure to infected blood ( including blood – contaminated body fluids ), or from mother to child during pregnancy, at delivery or after delivery. Patients should be evaluated at the earliest by a specialist after a possible exposure to HIV to determine if post – exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral medications should be offered to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. The post - exposure prophylaxis should be given within 72 hours of an exposure. Once the need has been identified, the patient should receive an immediate dose from a specialist. The first dose should not be delayed pending HIV testing of either the exposed patient or the source. A three drug regimen is generally administered for post exposure prophylaxis for a duration of 28 days. Rapid HIV testing should be performed on all persons seeking evaluation after a potential HIV exposure under guidance of a specialist. It should be followed by repeat testing for HIV at four to six weeks and at three months. All patients should be evaluated for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. Patients should be monitored by a specialist while receiving post – exposure prophylaxis to ensure adherence and evaluate for potential toxicity. The reasons for failure of prophylaxis may include poor adherence to the post – exposure prophylaxis regimen, suboptimal treatment regimens, delays in initiation, or ongoing HIV exposures.