Hot Off The Press Express (HOPE)
A goal of Sharon Lee Family Health Care at the Doc Shop is to help people avoid and treat sexually transmitted infections.
Call 913-362-0220
HOPE (HIV- Off the Press Express)Prevention- VaccinesOver the forty years I have provided health care for people with HIV. One of the greatest challenges has been finding a method of prevention that works.
First up was the use of condoms. Initially barriers to mixing body fluids was the only thing we knew of to stop HIV transmission. Although male condoms were found to be protective, they are relatively unwieldy to use and are not always popular. Female condoms while effective, have never caught on. During the 1990’s prevention methods including topical applications of treatments to the anus and/or vagina were tested and found to be unsuccessful.
The search for a vaccine began in the early 1980’s. Vaccine trials in Kansas City and around the world were launched. Dr. Jonas Salk (inventor of the polio vaccine) and many others applied their knowledge and skills toward developing a vaccine. In 1986 a French doctor (Zagury) rushed to try a promising vaccine on himself (skipping animal trials). Multiple attempts since that first daring effort have failed to develop a protective vaccine.
After the success of the COVID vaccines, mRNA vaccines were developed targeting HIV, but to date these have also been ineffective at helping produce protective antibodies. Scientists continue to search for a vaccine, but for now HIV vaccines continue to be beyond our reach.
(https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20230417/hiv-vaccine-research-at-a-crossroads-after-recent-failures)
SLee MD
NEW INFO on other Sexually Transmitted InfectionsMedications for pre-exposure and post-exposure prevention of the bacterial-caused sexually transmitted diseases including Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia has been shown to be effective.
A study reported in August 2022 has shown taking a common antibiotic as soon as possible after sexual exposure to bacterial infections (STI's) may be effective in reducing the likelihood of transmission for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. Call today to start on this preventive treatment.
Doc Shop 913-362-0220
If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV, please call right away. The Doc Shop (913-362-0220) offers same (or next) day post-exposure prophylaxis treatment to prevent the infection from taking hold in your body.
Best if started as soon as possible or within 72 hours.
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Prevention of HIV
HIV prevention medications or PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) can be taken BEFORE sexual activity to prevent the disease. These medicines may be available free for at-risk individuals. Please check with the Doc Shop for further information.
Pills are available to take daily or in some cases only near the time of possible exposure.
Call to set up a telehealth or in-person visit to get started protecting yourself from this life-long infection.
Please note that condoms are highly recommended to prevent STI transmissions.