Bags of fun
PN’s guide to what
to pack on your summer hols should help you stay sun-kissed rather than sunburnt;
smitten rather than bitten, and ensure you see more than the local toilets
during your break
Illustration David Shenton
GOOD FOOTWEAR
Supportive trainers, walking shoes and sandals are a must, especially for
those with neuropathy or sensitivity due to fat loss from the soles of the
feet.
LUBE
Supportive trainers, walking shoes and sandals are a must, especially for
those with
neuropathy or sensitivity due to fat loss from the soles of the feet.
SWIMMING COSTUMES
Swimming is a great stress-free exercise for HIV positive people. An hour’s
worth of splashing about in water can be as beneficial as a six-mile run.
People with a low CD4 count should check water safety, as cryptosporidium
bugs can lurk in hotel pools.
INSURANCE
Not mentioning your HIV status to insurers could void your claim if it comes
to light later. Check out companies that include all HIV and HIV/hep C coinfected
travellers.
It’s So Easy Travel Insurance www.hivtravelinsurance.com
Freedom Insurance 0870 774 3760, www.freedominsure.co.uk
Rothwell & Towler 01404 41234, www.travelfirst.co.uk
CONDOMS/FEMIDOMS
Buy before you fly, that way you won’t be caught short. Last year an
inspired local health authority handed out free safe travel kits, including
condoms, to young travellers at Birmingham Airport.
PASSPORT/VISA
You won’t get anywhere without this, regardless of your HIV status.
SUNSCREEN
People with depressed immune systems taking co-trimoxazole can experience
an exaggerated response to UV rays. Answer? High-factor sunscreen. Insect
repellents containing DEET last longer and help protect against West Nile
virus and malaria.
MEDS
Keep meds in hand luggage, as suitcases can get lost in transit. If you take
T-20, check with your airline about carrying syringes onboard the aircraft.
Unmixed T-20 does not require special storage conditions but needs refrigeration
after mixing. Don’t miss your flight or your pills. Never extend the
time between taking your meds as this increases your risk of lowering drug
levels and developing drug resistance. It’s better to bring the time
forwards, as this will only result in slightly higher drug levels for a short
period.
HEALTH
COVER
The old-style E111 form has been replaced by the credit-card sized European
Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This gives you access to reciprocal medical
treatment in EC countries, plus others such as Switzerland and Iceland. However,
it only applies to state-funded treatments, which might not be the same as
those provided by the NHS. Apply online at www.ehic.org.uk,
call 0845 606 2030, or pick up a form at the Post Office, but allow seven,
10 and 21 days respectively for it to be processed.
FIRST-AID KIT
Travellers living with HIV are often at greater risk of opportunistic infections,
so follow the usual advice about food and water hygiene and safety. Ask your
doctor for antibiotics for rapid treatment, or prophylaxis if necessary. Pack
plenty of Imodium just in case.
JABS
Last year there was a 21 per cent rise in tropical diseases brought back to
the UK. The highest risk areas were Thailand, India, Pakistan, Kenya and the
Philippines. Most ‘inactivated’ vaccines are perfectly safe for
people with HIV but ‘live vaccines’ for yellow fever and smallpox
are generally avoided. Check with your doctor before you travel. More at www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers.
GUIDEBOOK/NOTEBOOK
Good guidebooks offer advice on sexual health including clinics, hospitals
and HIV organisations. Some advise of countries that deport people with HIV
at the border, but see www.aidsnet.ch/linkto/immigration
for a full list. Take a notebook for the outline for your latest novella and
emergency numbers, local contacts and passport details.
BOOKS/MUSIC
As well as stuffing your face with local delicacies, feed your mind with a
book or two and feed your soul with your favourite tunes.
