Travel tips for HIV people so that travel is safe and comfortable

HIV is a chronic disease that attacks the immune system. That is why people with HIV / AIDS (PLWHA) have weak immune systems and get sick easily. Many PLWHA are reluctant to take a vacation away because they are afraid that they will quickly become tired and then it only worsens the condition. Many are also reluctant traveling for fear of transmitting the disease to others. In fact, having HIV does not necessarily mean you have to shut yourself up at home. What is, stress will actually make your body condition even more drop . Before booking travel tickets, first read, let's go, the traveling tips for HIV people below so that your vacation is safe and comfortable.

Safe travel tips for people with HIV

Already have a special budget, dream destination, and vacation date right? Don't hesitate to leave your feet and go on vacation! But before packing, make sure you have read and checked all of the following travel tips.

1. Health check to a doctor

Just like most healthy people, traveling for people with HIV needs to be supported by a good body condition. So it's best, first check your health condition with the doctor who usually treats you.

If the CD4 level (a marker of immunity) in your blood is above 200 cells / mL, your doctor will likely give you the green light to go. However, if after checking your CD4 count is far below the 200-500 cell / mL range, your doctor may provide you with additional medicines to prevent your body's condition from suddenly worsening.

Don't forget to check your health beforehand, tell the doctor where you are going and how long you will be there. Also ask for information as clearly as possible about what you should avoid or reduce in your vacation destination.

2. Vaccines

Especially if you are going on a long vacation abroad, make sure you have completed the following vaccines before leaving:

• Meningitis vaccine.
• Japanese encephalitis vaccine.
• Flu vaccine.
• Measles and rubella vaccine (MR vaccine).

Getting the vaccine before going on vacation will ensure you don't catch a disease that is still potentially endemic in certain countries.

The vaccines above are usually highly recommended when you are going on vacation to countries in Asia and Latin America. You may need other vaccines because the vaccine needs of each PLHIV can differ depending on the area to be visited. So, discuss further with your doctor about the destination and length of your vacation there.

3. Prepare health insurance

Having health insurance is one of the important travel tips for HIV people to consider. Insurance becomes very important when you fall sick or have an accident at your destination so you need to be hospitalized in a hospital.

Previously, you could also contact your subscription insurance company to tell you about your travel plans and what services you can get in the destination country or area if you need insurance coverage.

When packing , don't forget to bring your insurance card. Put it in your wallet or anywhere else that's easy to access when you're on an adventure out there.

4. Bring a doctor's prescription

Apart from bringing a change of clothes and a camera, of course you shouldn't forget to bring your usual medicines. Starting from antiretroviral drugs (ART) that doctors prescribe to other drugs that may be related to other diseases you are suffering from. Bring a copy of the recipe too. Also, don't forget to bring basic non-prescription pain medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

5. Take care of yourself while at the destination

It's okay to have fun once you arrive at your destination. However, you also need to take care of yourself during your vacation so that your body condition does not get sick there or even risk transmitting the disease to other people.

While on vacation…

• Don't eat raw fruits and vegetables. If you want to eat peeled fruit, make sure you peel it yourself.
• If you want to drink or brush your teeth, it's better to buy bottled mineral water. Don't drink directly from the tap.
• Don't eat raw or undercooked meat.
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or milk products that are not packaged.
• Do not carelessly eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Drink from bottled drinks that you open and buy yourself.
• Prepare and use condoms properly if you want to have sex on vacation.

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