Traveling with HIV and AIDS
Cooked or peeled vegetables are safer than raw ones -- and you can still eat quite well!
Also of interest:
Gay Adventure Travel: Try something unforgettable for your next vacation.
AIDS and HIV can make travel more difficult, but countless vacationers haven't let that interfere with their plans.
Foreign travel introduces many stresses: Dehydration, jet lag, excitement, and increased physical activity all take a toll. Don't push yourself too hard.
Be careful of time spent in the sun, as some medicines, such as Bactrim, increase your sensitivity to sunlight.
Know the policies of the country you want to visit. Travel is easiest in Western Europe, which is well ahead of the United States in protecting people with HIV from discrimination. Other countries, particularly in Asia and Eastern Europe, bar entry to those who declare themselves HIV-positive. China is notorious in this regard. Gay guidebooks such as Spartacus and Odysseus summarize the policies for each country. You can call a country's embassy in Washington if you're unsure of their policy, but with no assurance of getting help: It may be impossible to reach a live and knowledgeable embassy worker, and even if you do, official policies and real-life practice often differ greatly.
Travel with us!
Alyson Adventures specializes in active vacations for gay men, lesbians, and friends. Here are some of the trips we offer:
Take precautions in less developed nations. Here, you'll have new concerns: lower water quality, inadequate hygiene, and fewer doctors. You're best off with fruits that you can peel before eating them, such as bananas and oranges. Cooked vegetables will be safer than raw ones. Check on the water supply; you'll probably want to stick to bottled, boiled, or purified water. Avoid shellfish, dairy products, and undercooked meat.
Get advice about vaccinations. Some countries require vaccinations for yellow fever, cholera, meningitis, or typhoid. Certain vaccinations (especially for yellow fever) are incompatible with other medicines or may endanger a weakened immune system. This is a subject to start exploring several months before you depart, with advice from a knowledgeable doctor.
Keep all prescriptions in original bottles with original labels. If you require syringes, carry a doctor's note to that effect. Bring a photocopy of all prescriptions (including eyeglasses), and leave one with a friend at home. This will speed the replacement if anything is lost.
Pack medications in your carry-on luggage, in case checked luggage goes astray. Better yet, split critical items and carry some in each of two places.
Hotel owners can usually refrigerate medicines and freeze ice packs; diabetic travelers have requested this service for years. In a pinch, ask the owner of a local restaurant or shop -- but make sure they'll be open when you leave town.
Be safe! Because quality and selection vary widely, take condoms with you from home.