Tips for Traveling with HIV Medication

Anyone with a medical condition or illness knows they have to take certain factors into account before they embark on a travel excursion, and those with HIV have even more to consider when they decide to travel. Most people assume that having HIV means you pretty much give up living and just wait for the end, and this uninformed reaction is far from the reality of living with HIV. People with HIV are living longer, healthier lives, and this affords them the same opportunities as those who are not living with HIV.

However, like any other person with a medical condition, someone with HIV needs to take certain precautions in order to travel safely and part of these measures includes learning how to travel with the medication they may be on. We live in times where there is numerous security measures in place that often become a nuisance to even the most avid and healthiest of travelers. But, being prepared and knowing the restrictions will be essential to your travel experience.

When the thought of traveling, whether for personal or business reasons, you will want to set up an appointment with your physician. Make sure they evaluate your overall health and let them know what your travel itinerary will consist of. Remember, there are certain places you may wish to travel, but that may present problems to your health such as places known for an increase in bacterial, viral, and parasitic exposure. Check with your physician to see that all your vaccinations are up to date, and that if travels will take you to regions requiring other types of vaccinations, make sure you can and have received those; but remember, those with HIV should not receive vaccinations that are considered live vaccinations. Once your physician gives an okay for your travel plans, you should definitely consult with them on the best ways to travel with your HIV medications without a hassle.

Before you commit, financially, to your actual travel plans, you may want double check travel restrictions into certain countries. This should not be a problem if your travels are taking you to places within the country you live. But, for example, if you did not live in the United States and were planning a trip to the United States, there could be a bit of a problem. The United States does have a ban and restrictions on those with HIV planning to visit. However, depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for a waiver.

Look into whether or not your health insurance will be accepted wherever your travel destination is. Identify the medical facilities you will have access to in the area you are traveling to. You do not want to find yourself in an emergency situation and unable to find adequate medical attention for your needs.

Medication is essential to your care and maintenance of HIV, and you should leave no stone unturned while preparing to travel. The following tips are specifically related to traveling with HIV medications:

Make sure you bring enough medications with you. Remember to calculate for possible trip extensions that may hinder you from returning on the planned day. It may be difficult for you to refill medications while you are away from home, so plan for the unexpected and take extra with you.

Assuming your trip is via air travel, there are two ways in which you can pack your antiretroviral medications. One, you can leave them in original and clearly marked prescription bottles, which will help you avoid security friction and possible confiscation from customs agents. Two, you can put your medications into a medication dosage pill box, and this will allow you to maintain a bit of privacy without disclosing that you are HIV-positive, risking possible discrimination. Also, all HIV medication should be packed in your carry-on luggage, which will allow you to keep them with, keep them out of sunlight, and keep them away from severe temperature changes that may damage them.

As with any medication you may need to take, you should make sure to properly calculate your dosage timing. You may be traveling into a different time zone, and this may throw your normal dosing times off. It may be wise to work out timing for your medication with your physician or pharmacist to ensure you get your medication doses on time and keep it on track. Traveling with HIV does not mean it is a good time for you to take a break in your HIV medication, which is why you definitely want to make sure you plan and think about the proper times to take your medications, figuring in time changes.

If any of the medication your are taking needs to be refrigerated, you may want to check with the hotel or place you are planning to stay to see if they have refrigerators in the room, or ease of access to ice. You can bring a cooler bag and fill it with ice as a back up.

Another good tip that can come in handy in the event that you lose your HIV medication is having an emergency supply kept with a family member or good friend. This way they can express ship them to you. However, this can still take 24 to 48 hours to arrive, and this is enough time for you HIV defenses to go down. In certain countries, you may be able to get your antiretroviral prescriptions filled; so, make sure your physician gives you an emergency prescription just in case. If you do run into this type of problem, you may benefit from contacting the United States Embassy or consulate if you are out of the country, and make sure to have the proper phone number for your treating physician available.

In order to make your travels successful, you should be prepared for everything. Make sure you drink bottled water to lessen your risk of picking up a gastrointestinal bug or sickness. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables that are sold at street vendors because they may carry bacteria and viruses that could potentially make you ill. Bring proper SPF sunscreen and do not take a risk getting sunburned, and bug spray. Pack some over-the-counter anti-nausea and diarrhea medications, and a travel first-aid kit.

Most of these tips are just common sense, and anyone living with HIV has learned how to keep themselves safe and how to stay healthy, which includes knowing the importance of the medication they take. When in doubt, you should ask your physician and or pharmacist for extra tips in safeguarding your HIV medication while traveling. HIV does not mean you stop pursuing travels, it just means you join the ranks of many other people with medical conditions that require you to be more aware of how to travel responsibly with your medication to ensure that your health needs are met no matter where you go.