College-age adults lead the country in new HIV diagnoses. Our society is very familiar with abstinence, monogamy and condoms. However, many people are unfamiliar with a relatively new prevention tool named PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). In short, PrEP is a daily pill that has been been very effective in preventing new HIV infections.
Similar to the HPV vaccine, discussion of PrEP between parent and student may involve topics which they may not agree with, or which they may assume the other may not agree with or admit to doing, and which both parties may prefer to leave unsaid (sometimes to their detriment later).
Sometimes, I truly despise the way the CDC puts things together and the language they use.
I know several people on PrEP. It’s a fantastic option if you can afford it/your insurance covers it. Note: if you are on your parents’ insurance, they may find out you’re taking it.
Received some feedback about HIV being a “gay man’s disease”, which it clearly is not. In the U.S. in 2015 approx 20% of new HIV diagnoses were women. Be educated and safe out there!