HIV-AIDS: safety and testing in overseas countries
What is AIDS?
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a serious disease that was first recognised in 1981. This syndrome is the late stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (known as HIV), which causes progressive damage to the immune system, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.
AIDS and HIV infection occur worldwide but many countries do not have comprehensive screening programmes or adequate technology for detecting HIV/AIDS in donated blood. Travellers should be aware whether there is a risk of HIV infection from blood, blood products and vaccinations in the countries they intend to visit.
Safety in Westernised countries
In countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Japan and most western European countries, the risk of HIV/AIDS infection through blood transfusions has been virtually eliminated through specialised testing of all donated blood.
Also in these countries, immunoglobulin preparations (sometimes used to prevent infection after exposure to diseases such as hepatitis A and B) undergo a process that is known to inactivate HIV and this minimises the risks of HIV transmission via these types of immunisations.
Safety in developing countries
Unfortunately, in many less-developed countries there may be no formal programme for testing blood or blood products or immunoglobulin preparations for HIV antibodies.
In these countries, you should avoid having a blood transfusion if possible. However, if a transfusion is necessary (e.g. after an accident), the blood should be tested for HIV antibodies by a reputable laboratory using established testing procedures. You should speak to your doctor before travelling to discuss what you might need to do in a situation such as this.
Needle safety
Needles that are used to draw blood or administer injections should be sterile. Most preferred are single-use disposable needles which are prepacked in a sealed container.
People who require insulin to treat diabetes, people with haemophilia and others who need routine or frequent injections should always carry sufficient syringes, needles and disinfectant swabs to cover their needs when travelling overseas, along with a letter from their doctor authorising their use.
Screening for incoming travellers
When travelling overseas, you should be aware that some countries require screening of incoming travellers for HIV/AIDS infection, particularly travellers who intend staying for some time for work or study.
Some countries may also deny entry to persons with AIDS or those who test positive to HIV. If you have HIV infection and are intending to visit a country for any length of time, you should check the requirements of the particular country. This information can generally be obtained from consulate or embassy officials of that country. You might also consider contacting an HIV/AIDS service organisation in the country or the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Last Reviewed: 20 January 2010
- 1. World Health Organization. Infectious diseases of potential risk for travellers. In: International travel and health: situation as on 1 January 2010. Geneva: WHO; 2010: 53-90. http://www.who.int/ith/en/ (accessed Jan 2011).
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (last reviewed 27 Jul 2009). In: CDC health information for international travel 2010. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service; 2009. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-5/hiv-aids.aspx (accessed Jan 2011).
3. World Health Organization. Special groups of travellers. In: International travel and health: situation as on 1 January 2010. Geneva: WHO; 2010: 171-185. http://www.who.int/ith/en/index.html (accessed Jan 2011).
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). Advising travelers with special needs. In: CDC Health Information for International Travel 2010. Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service; 2009. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/yellowbook/home-2010.aspx (accessed Jan 2011).
5. National AIDS Trust (UK). Living with HIV? International travel. http://www.nat.org.uk/Living-with-HIV/Useful-information/International-travel.aspx (accessed Jan 2011).
