CHECK Ost #1

HIV
ENGLISH
What to consider when
TRAVELING WITH HIV
Traveling opens our eyes to other countries and cultures and makes our lives richer.
As beautiful as a trip is, it can sometimes be so laborious to plan it. Like most, people
with HIV should check their own first-aid kit before going on holiday and carefully
look into whether everything is still there. But do you have to pay attention to other
things when you want to travel?
In principle, as an HIV-positive person, you can
travel anywhere, regardless of whether it is for
business or for a vacation. But there are a few
things to consider: in some countries, there is
a general ban on unprotected sex for people
with HIV, even if their viral load is below the
detection limit thanks to successful therapy.
Some countries even completely refuse entry
to HIV-positive people or only allow them to
stay for a limited period of time.
PREPARATION IS THE BE-ALL
AND END-ALL
It is important for people with HIV to be well
informed in advance, especially about transporting
and taking their medication. To ease traveling
with HIV medication, doctors often issue a
certificate stating that the tablets carried are
required due to a chronic illness. HIV does not
have to be specifically named. If there is a time
difference associated with the trip, this can be a
bit more complicated, because the time of taking
the medication should remain as constant
as possible. To be on the safe side, you can work
out the time of intake together with your doctor
before you start your journey.
WHAT IS ALSO IMPORTANT WHEN
PLANNING
There are also a number of organizational points
that HIV-positive people need to clarify when
planning their trip. At the beginning of the planning
phase of a trip, for example, it is important
to talk to the doctor about recommended vaccinations
for the respective travel destination and,
if necessary, to have them refreshed. It is also
advisable to find out whether it makes sense to
take out additional foreign health insurance or
travel insurance.
SHORTLY BEFORE THE START OF THE
JOURNEY
Before starting the journey, it is important
to pack a sufficient number of tablets for
the entire duration of the journey as well as
a small buffer - in case the stay is extended
unplanned.
Many people pack their medication in their
hand luggage in case the suitcase should be
lost, because it is possible that the medicines
are not readily available at the travel destination
and it is therefore difficult to get supplies
on site.
TRAVEL CAREFREE
There are a few things to consider when traveling
for HIV positive people, especially when it comes
to HIV medication. If this makes you feel unsafe,
it is advisable to talk to your doctor about it. So
you can find a solution together and continue to
travel carefree in the future. (ts,mb)
Further information and personal
stories about living with HIV can be
found at www.livlife.de
Supported by ViiV Healthcare
74 CHECK OST #1