This response may relate to anxiety and fear about a negligible exposure or to undisclosed, more serious risk behaviours. 

Clinicians should follow this advice:

• the decision to prescribe PEP should be based on the risk of HIV acquisition
• discussing the low risk of the exposure (Appendix A) may reassure people who may have overestimated the risk
• caution should be taken not to dismiss low risk people, particularly those from high-prevalence countries or who may be fearful of stigma and discrimination when disclosing risk
• referral to a counsellor or psychologist if significantly distressed is recommended
• effective HIV prevention methods should be discussed with patients, including:
  • correct use of condoms
  • HIV PrEP (refer to National PrEP Guidelines) 

undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U), referring to the fact that people who take antiretroviral therapy as prescribed and maintain an undetectable VL cannot sexually transmit HIV (refer to the U=U ASHM Guidance for Healthcare Professionals)