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Influenza outbreak prophylaxis — Medical Practice MCQ

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HardSeasonal InfluenzaInfluenza outbreak prophylaxis

A healthcare worker presents 36 hours after a hollow-bore needlestick from a source with untreated HIV and a high viral load. Baseline testing is negative; source resistance history is not yet available. What is the immediate UK approach?

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Correct answer: D — Start a recommended three-drug PEP regimen now for 28 days and refine it if source information changes

D is correct. This high-risk exposure remains within the 72-hour outer window, so a full 28-day three-drug PEP course should start immediately and can be refined when resistance data arrive. A sacrifices the time-critical benefit. B is prevention before exposure rather than adequate PEP. C is incomplete. E mistakes the ideal 24-hour target for the absolute latest start.

Reference: BHIVA/BASHH UK HIV PEP guideline 2021: https://bhiva.org/clinical-guideline/pep-guidelines/