Traveling With HIV

Why do I need to take precautions when traveling abroad?

HIV is a serious disease that can be easily spread through sexual contact or blood transfusions. It is important to take precautions when traveling abroad, as HIV rates are often higher in other countries. There are many ways to prevent HIV infection, including using condoms during sex and avoiding contact with blood or bodily fluids. If you are traveling to a country with a high HIV rate, it is especially important to take these precautions. HIV can have a devastating impact on your health, so it is important to do everything you can to prevent infection. With a little bit of effort, you can protect yourself from this serious disease.

Before You Travel

Talk to your health care provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel.

• Discuss treatment options for travelers’ diarrhea and the need for vaccines.
• Learn about the health risks in the places you plan to visit.
• Learn about specific steps you can take to maintain your health.
• Before you travel, gather the names of local HIV health care providers or clinics in the area you are visiting.

Learn about your insurance.

• You must be aware of your insurance travel coverage.
• You can keep printed or soft copies for your insurance proof on mobile or any online drive which may access during traveling.
• Your family or friend must know about the place where you have placed an insurance copy at your home.
• If your travel insurance does not cover emergency transportation to a health care facility, or the cost of care received in other countries, consider purchasing additional coverage.

Learn about your destination.

• Find out if the countries you plan to visit have special health rules for visitors, especially visitors with HIV.

During Travel

Avoid unsafe food and drink.

• In some developing countries, food and water may contain germs that could make you sick.
• Eat only hot foods.
• Drink bottled water or drinks, hot coffee or tea, wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages.
• Avoid raw fruit or vegetables that you do not peel yourself.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood or meat or unpasteurized dairy products.
• Tap water and drinks or ice made with tap water could make you sick.

Take care of yourself and protect others.

• Take all your medications at the same time every day.
• It is best to follow a special diet if you are on one.
• Use the same precautions you take at home to prevent HIV transmission.

Avoid direct contact with animal waste.

• Animal waste that is allowed to accumulate in soil or on sidewalks can pose a threat to people with HIV.
• Protect your health and wellbeing by wearing shoes when walking through animal waste.
• When lying on a beach or in a park, use towels to protect yourself from animal waste.
• After physical contact with animals, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Avoid hospitals and clinics where patients with tuberculosis (TB) are treated.

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a very common disease worldwide, and it can be severe in people with HIV.
• When you return to see your health care provider, discuss the possibility of being tested for tuberculosis.