December Newsletter

The importance of PEP following exposure

On 1 December every year, we celebrate World Aids Day. What better time to discuss HIV prevention! Did you know that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent you from becoming infected with HIV after you have been exposed?

PEP is a medication that is taken soon after you have possibly been exposed to HIV to prevent HIV infection. It should only be used in emergency situations and can’t be used as a regular form of HIV prevention. You won’t be prescribed PEP if you are already HIV positive. You need to be HIV negative or unsure of your HIV status.

Possible exposures to HIV can take place in a number of different ways, such as:

Being sexually assaulted.
During sexual intercourse (for example, if the condom breaks).
Taking drugs and using dirty needles
Blood splashes for example when working with blood in laboratories or medical facilities.
Having an open wound and coming into direct contact with someone else’s blood.

PEP is most effective if you take it within 24 hours of the exposure but can be taken up to 72 hours after exposure. The sooner you take it the better – every hour counts!

PEP is taken for four weeks and ideally should be taken at the same time daily – it might not work if you miss doses. It is only available from a doctor, clinic, or hospital. If you think you have been exposed after hours, go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital, if there is one available and or seek medical assistance first thing the following morning. If you experience side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting don’t just stop taking the medication! Speak to your healthcare provider who may prescribe medication to ease the symptoms. It is important to do HIV tests 3 and 6 months after the exposure to make sure that the treatment was successful.

In celebration of World Aids Day, this December, share your knowledge about PEP and HIV prevention with your friends and family – you never know whose life it could save!

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Prudent spending of your bonus

Don’t get wrapped up in year-end festivities and splurge your bonus all at once! Here’s how to use your bonus effectively:

Debt that is in arrears should be your priority. It’s not going to go away, so pay as much of it as you can. Also, prioritise high-interest debt like personal loans and credit cards.
See if you can pay up any loans and or debt that may free up extra cash going into the new year.
Keep some money aside to give your emergency fund a boost. If there’s one thing that 2020 has taught us it’s that an emergency fund is crucial!
Invest some of the money in tax-free savings or unit trusts.
Put money aside for known costs in the new year, such as education fees and related costs, etc

Working through the festive season

If you are working through the festive season it can be difficult to stay productive while your loved ones are chilling at home and having fun. Here’s a few handy tips to help you cope at work through the festive period:

Don’t get carried away partying when you have to be at work the next day. One way to help manage this is to be careful of overcommitting to too many social events that will leave you feeling exhausted.
Don’t use company time to plan personal events. Your work will suffer.
Make a list of what needs to be done at home ahead of time and delegate tasks to family members who are on leave.
Take care of your well-being. Working over the festive season can be stressful. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising.