What is Aids?
AIDS, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a viral disease which breaks down the body's immune system and leads to infections and cancers that my be fatal. Even though there are no known vaccines to prevent AIDS, there have been several medical breakthroughs recently in drugs and assistance in preventing AIDS, both in the United States and abroad.
The AIDS Virus Can Be Transmitted in Four General Ways:
- Through intimate sexual contact - the virus can
be transmitted from any infected person to his or
her sexual partner,
when semen, blood or vaginal fluids are exchanged.
- Through infected blood and blood products. This
includes blood transfusions in which the blood donated
either
is not screened or is improperly screened for human
immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) antibodies.
- Through contaminated needles or any other HIV-contaminated
skin piercing instrument.
- From an infected mother to her infant before or
during delivery, or possibly while breastfeeding.
The AIDS Virus is Not Transmitted Through Casual Contact
The World Health Organization states: "AIDS is not
spread by daily routine activities such as sitting next to
someone or shaking hands, or working with people. Nor is
it spread by insects or insect bites. And AIDS is not spread
by swimming pools, public transportation, food, cups, glasses,
plates, toilets, water, air, touching or hugging, coughing
or sneezing."
Why Special Concern for the Traveler?
When traveling abroad, be aware that some countries may
require HIV antibody tests, a test for antibodies to HIV
that causes AIDS. Travelers should also know that some countries
may not have the resources to adequately screen blood or
provide sterile needles.
Living overseas may present greater risks to those who test
positive for HIV. Many overseas locations have limited medical
facilities that cannot monitor the progress of such infections.
Therefore, if you believe you may be infected, knowing your
HIV status will help in planning your trip.
HIV Antibody Testing
Some countries now require incoming foreigners, including
students, to take the HIV antibody test. Usually this is
required for long-term stays.
If you are studying abroad, check with your institution
or program to see if that country requires testing. You may
need a "doctor's certificate" showing the results
of an HIV antibody test. Your local consulate will carry
information as well.
If the Country You Are Going to Requires Testing:
Learn about the HIV antibody test and its ramifications.
Talk to a trained counselor who can give you more information
and address your questions and concerns.
If you decide you want to be tested, do so only at a center
that offers pre- and post-test counseling. There are many
institutions whose primary focus is AIDS counseling.
Allow yourself two weeks for the testing process.
Consider getting tested twice - first anonymously, (which
allows you the privacy to decide what you want to do if the
result is positive), then again for a doctor's certificate,
if needed.
Overseas Blood Transfusions and Blood Products
While many countries, including the U.S. and parts of Europe,
have mandatory screening of donated blood for the AIDS virus,
not all do. Travelers should inquire at the local Red Cross
office or Western embassies about safe sources of blood overseas.
In some locales, ascertaining the availability of HIV-screened
blood and blood products may be difficult. Because of obvious
uncertainties, consider these precautions:
People traveling together can form a "walking blood
bank" in which members know each other's blood type
and agree to be possible donors for each other. This, of
course, presumes that all of those participating are HIV
negative.
If you are injured or ill while abroad, avoid or postpone
any blood transfusion unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you do need blood, try to ensure that screened blood is
used.
If you need a doctor's attention overseas, ask for a "western
style" hospital in order to receive proper care.
Regardless of the blood screening practices abroad, always
try to reduce the risk of serious injury, which may require
blood transfusions by taking everyday precautions:
If driving, wear a seatbelt and drive carefully.
If you are sexually active, use a condom. Take a supply
with you as conditions, manufacturing, and storage of condoms
in other countries may be questionable.
Take good care of yourself while traveling. Don't wear yourself
down, watch out for excessive exposure to heat, and drink
plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and get plenty of
sleep.
Overseas Injections
Here in the U.S., we may take for granted disposable equipment
such as needles and syringes. Be advised that some foreign
countries will reuse even disposable equipment. In some countries,
if injection is required, you can buy needles and syringes
and bring them to the hospital for your own use. Avoid injections
unless absolutely necessary. If injections are required,
make sure needles and syringes come straight from a package
or have been sterilized with chemicals or by boiling for
twenty minutes. When in doubt, ask to see how the equipment
has been sterilized. Caution regarding instrument sterilization
applies to all instruments that pierce the skin, including
tattooing, acupuncture, ear piercing, and dental work.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that "Diabetics
or other persons who require routine or frequent injections
should carry a supply of syringes and needles sufficient
to last their stay abroad."
It is not uncommon to bring needles for your own use; however,
be aware that carrying needles and syringes without a prescription
may be illegal in some countries. Take a note from your doctor
if you do need to carry needles and syringes. Some countries
do have needles and syringes for sale.
Condoms
Condoms are not always as easily available in many countries
as they are in the U.S. - some countries may not have them
available at all or the storing of such items may be questionable.
You should take them with you. Abstinence is the safest alternative.
If you are sexually active, always use a condom!
Foreign Acceptance
Finally, don't be put off if other cultures treat you differently
simply because you are an American. The AIDS epidemic may
have given some people of foreign countries another reason
to be wary of Americans.
If You Are HIV Positive
For those traveling abroad who are HIV positive, contact
the consulate or the embassy of the country(ies) you plan
to visit. Each country may have specific entry requirements,
or requirements regarding carrying medicines, that you should
know about before you leave.
General Precautions
The risk of getting AIDS depends upon you. Here are some
general precautions against AIDS you can follow regardless
of where you are in the world:
Avoid exchange of semen, blood, or vaginal fluids with anyone.
Either abstain from sexual activity entirely, or practice
safe sex.
Use a Condom! Both men and women should carry their own
condoms. You may have trouble finding reliable brands of
condoms abroad; some countries may not even sell condoms.
Use water-based lubricants/jellies containing a spermicide
in addition to a condom during vaginal and anal intercourse
Do not use illicit injectable drugs. Do not use needles
and syringes that may have been used previously.
For additional information, contact the following resources:
CDC National HIV/AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS
In Spanish: 1-800-344-7432
For the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-243-7889
CDC National Clearing House: 1-800-458-5231
World Health Organization: 1-202-861-3200
This information is adapted from material made available
to CIEE by Juan Carlos Garcia and Alejandro M. Martinez,
Ph.D., Cowell Student Health Center, Stanford University.
Special thanks to Mr. Joe Fera, Director of Education, San
Francisco AIDS Foundation.