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Author Topic: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?  (Read 9123 times)

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Offline NY2011

  • Member
  • Posts: 173
I'm taking my medication with me, so I'd like to know if anyone ever had a bad experience in an airport with that, being questioned, etc. in Philippines, Vitenam and/or Thailand? What about Hong Kong?

Also, as per Dr's recommendations, taking:
1) DEET 30-35% mosquito spray for skin
2) Permethrin spray for clothes
3) Levaquin 500mg prescription
4) Got part 2 of Hep A shot

Advised to stay clear of fresh water lakes and streams.
Schistosomiasis?
No ice in drinks
mouth closed while showering
wine every day with meals (alcohol)
brush teeth with sealed bottled water.

What else? 
« Last Edit: July 12, 2012, 03:20:58 pm by NY2011 »
10/26/2011 - SEROCONVERSION (fever+rash, 104 degrees F)
10/31/2011 - CD4= 154  VL>500,000 
10/31/2011 - started on Truvada+Prezista+Norvir
12/14/2011 - CD4= 750 VL=6412 (45%)
01/27/2012 - switched to Atripla
04/23/2012 - CD4=1,221 VL= 140  (47%)
06/22/2012 - CD4=1,224 VL= ud    (49%)
12/18/2012 - CD4=1,031 VL= ud    (51%)
09/16/2013 - CD4=1,151 VL= ud   (49%)
03/26/2014 - CD4=1,050 VL= ud
11/25/2014 - CD4=1,335 VL= ud
12/01/2015 - CD4=1,115 VL= ud (55%)
11/22/2016 - CD4=1,071 VL= ud (52%)
06/01/2017 - CD4=1,014 VL= ud (53%)
switched to Biktarvy in 2018
04/23/2019 - CD4=1,072 VL= ud (52%)
01/15/2020 - CD4=  925  VL= ud (50%)

Offline Common_ground

  • Member
  • Posts: 292
I live in South East Asia and dont even have half your cd4 but dont think about ice, showers, or anything else in your list.  :o

The times Ive got food poisoning thou its been from restaurants not street food.

Good luck with ur trip and have fun :)
2011 May - Neg.
2012 June CD4:205, 16% VL:2676 Start Truvada/Stocrin
2012 July  CD4:234, 18% VL:88
2012 Sep  CD4:238, 17% VL:UD
2013 Feb  CD4:257, 24% VL:UD -viramune/truvada
2013 May CD4:276, 26% VL:UD

2015 CD4: 240 , 28% VL:UD - Triumeq
2015 March CD4: 350 VL: UD

Offline spacebarsux

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,350
  • Survival of the Fittest
-General common sense  :)
-Refrain from salads and uncooked foods. Try and stick to 'cooked' foods.
-Be vigilant of where you eat meat/sea food preparations. I usually avoid roadside vendors- though it's true that some of them are more hygienic than some big restaurants (you can see the food being cooked right before your eyes.)
- Try and stick to bottled water
- Don't obsess too much.  ;)

I don't see why you shouldn't have alcohol. Also, I reckon the mouth closed in the shower is as effective as sporadically wearing a mask on a busy street.  ;)
 
Happy and Safe travels.

PS- Vietnam, Philippines and Thailand are South East Asia. South Asia connotes India, Pak, Nepal, Bdesh and Sri Lanka.  ;)
Infected-  2005 or early 2006; Diagnosed- Jan 28th, 2011; Feb '11- CD4 754 @34%, VL- 39K; July '11- CD4 907@26%,  VL-81K; Feb '12- CD4 713 @31%, VL- 41K, Nov '12- CD4- 827@31%

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
If you have sex with a local you should not only use a condom but wrap your entire body in plastic food wrap.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline jkinatl2

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,007
  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
Apparently they hand out ladyboys upon disembarking at the airport.

Your best bet is to politely decline.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline emeraldize

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,397
I'm taking my medication with me, so I'd like to know if anyone ever had a bad experience in an airport with that, being questioned, etc. in Philippines, Vitenam and/or Thailand?

Can post only re: Thailand - no problem

One suggestion is to get your doc to write on letterhead to include with your meds in the bag " The medicine is prescribed for this patient to manage a chronic illness.

AND -- carry your meds in your carryon -- don't pack in your main suitcase.

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Apparently they hand out ladyboys upon disembarking at the airport.

Your best bet is to politely decline.



You're behind the times -- they do much more than that now.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline jkinatl2

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,007
  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline NY2011

  • Member
  • Posts: 173
Excellent advice, re: meds in the carryon and a dr note for chronic illness.
Also, good point about avoiding salads.  Would never have thought about that.
Bought 40% DEET today.  I should be okay.  Sex with locals isn't on the agenda, so no need to wear a full body condom, but I always appreciate a good snarky comment about my  concerns re: my health and well-being.
« Last Edit: July 14, 2012, 05:19:08 pm by NY2011 »
10/26/2011 - SEROCONVERSION (fever+rash, 104 degrees F)
10/31/2011 - CD4= 154  VL>500,000 
10/31/2011 - started on Truvada+Prezista+Norvir
12/14/2011 - CD4= 750 VL=6412 (45%)
01/27/2012 - switched to Atripla
04/23/2012 - CD4=1,221 VL= 140  (47%)
06/22/2012 - CD4=1,224 VL= ud    (49%)
12/18/2012 - CD4=1,031 VL= ud    (51%)
09/16/2013 - CD4=1,151 VL= ud   (49%)
03/26/2014 - CD4=1,050 VL= ud
11/25/2014 - CD4=1,335 VL= ud
12/01/2015 - CD4=1,115 VL= ud (55%)
11/22/2016 - CD4=1,071 VL= ud (52%)
06/01/2017 - CD4=1,014 VL= ud (53%)
switched to Biktarvy in 2018
04/23/2019 - CD4=1,072 VL= ud (52%)
01/15/2020 - CD4=  925  VL= ud (50%)

Offline pozinHI

  • Member
  • Posts: 17
If you have sex with a local you should not only use a condom but wrap your entire body in plastic food wrap.

Is there reasons for going other than this??

Offline jm1953

  • Member
  • Posts: 295
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #10 on: July 23, 2012, 09:53:39 pm »
All the advice above is great.  Just be sure you have an escort or local in the Philippines, unless you are of that culture.  I was long distance dating someone there and was ready to book my flight.  He was great, but said I could not leave the hotel all day before he returned, and could not walk around the city alone.  I am caucasion and an American.  Be careful on that.  Also, I would advise not swimming in rivers, only the open ocean, because of staph which we all are so acceptable too. All the countries you are visiting are beautiful though, and I wish you a good trip.  Have a good doctor friend in Thailand should you get in trouble.

Safe travels!
Positive 29 years. Diagnosed 10/1987.  Current CD 4: 720: Viral load: almost 100.  Current drug regimen, Tivicay, Emtriva, Endurant, Wellbutrin, Clonazepam, Uloric, Losartan Potassium,Allegra, Ambien, Testosterone, Nandrolone, Vicodin, Benedryl, Aspirin, lots of vitamin supplements.

Offline buginme2

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,426
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #11 on: July 23, 2012, 11:49:25 pm »

Schistosomiasis?


When I was in grad school I had to take a class on "tropical and neglected diseases.".  Schistosomiasis was by far the class favorite.  Worms/snails that burrow through your skin, migrate to your liver, and feast on red blood cells!! 

Have fun!
Don't be fancy, just get dancey

Offline Ihaveit

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #12 on: July 28, 2012, 02:38:05 am »
I am from the Philippines. One thing, you are protected by law. Nothing to worry, just bring your prescriptions with you. The law guarantees that no one will be prohibited entry because of HIV or perceived HIV status. We also have HIV treatment hubs and doctors specializing on our "gift".

Have a nice trip.

Offline Ihaveit

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #13 on: July 28, 2012, 02:42:42 am »
Also, i've been to Bangkok many times, they are so open to HIV, unlike Singapore. Nothing to worry in Bangkok. Vietnam.... i was not taking meds yet when i went there so i dont know.

Offline Ihaveit

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #14 on: July 28, 2012, 02:46:39 am »
If you have sex with a local you should not only use a condom but wrap your entire body in plastic food wrap.

I think this is offensive. HIV in the west, HIV in Asia, what's the difference???? I can be rude if I want but I prefer to be civilized.

Offline hopeisvague

  • Member
  • Posts: 12
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #15 on: July 28, 2012, 02:18:38 pm »
Although there is no travel restriction on HIV carriers in Hong Kong, I strongly advise you in no circumstances (unless inevitable, if one seeks medical help) should you disclose your HIV status to any locals since stigma on HIV/AIDS is very severe in Hong Kong.

The hypocritical attitude of being "non-discriminatory" towards the disease (an in fact towards anything that is abhorrent) is just an empty word: as long as "not in my backyard". Hong Kong people keep themselves up to date by showing the latest  mobile phone but the mind of the majority still remained in the old dynasty. Maybe it is the same everywhere.

Hope you enjoy your stay in the used-to-be pearl of orient.
201206 351/95000 Started I/T

Offline wonderboynyc

  • Member
  • Posts: 3
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #16 on: August 25, 2012, 11:36:23 am »
I have traveled to Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong with my meds and had no issues with customs or immigration. I have breezed through. I would definitely recommend that you keep them in your carry-on for safekeeping just like anywhere when you travel. Make sure you bring enough with you in case of any delays.

Don't go around stomping through mud puddles and licking things, but I would say do not stress too much about dining and exploring. I have eaten a lot of street food and tromped through the wilds and not had any issues.  Obviously there is some risk but you are there to enjoy life and experience what makes these countries so great to visit.

Of course, if you are the super nervous type, I recommend that you purchase insurance like MedjetAssist that flies you home if you do end up in a hospital. Great peace of mind to know that you can get home quickly and safely if something does happen.

Otherwise, enjoy your time. They are some great places to visit.



Offline emeraldize

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,397
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #17 on: August 25, 2012, 04:14:44 pm »
If you've not left yet, pack some anti-diarrhea over-the-counter meds. Can be a blessing!! If not mentioned earlier, brush your teeth with bottled water too.

Offline ratcat

  • Member
  • Posts: 61
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #18 on: September 01, 2012, 06:35:29 am »
Dude....I live in Thailand and I am poz as well.  I brush my teeth with tap water, eat street food, don't wear insect repellent etc...  The pharmacies here are excellent and are all staffed by english speaking college grads, and have everything and more, for cheap without needing a prescription.  Everybody drinks bottled water here.  The water served in a glass at even the crappiest restaraunt is purified.  Just enjoy when you are here!!!! :)

Offline NY2011

  • Member
  • Posts: 173
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #19 on: September 03, 2012, 09:24:55 pm »
the trip was great.  thanks for all the advice.  no GI issues at all.
10/26/2011 - SEROCONVERSION (fever+rash, 104 degrees F)
10/31/2011 - CD4= 154  VL>500,000 
10/31/2011 - started on Truvada+Prezista+Norvir
12/14/2011 - CD4= 750 VL=6412 (45%)
01/27/2012 - switched to Atripla
04/23/2012 - CD4=1,221 VL= 140  (47%)
06/22/2012 - CD4=1,224 VL= ud    (49%)
12/18/2012 - CD4=1,031 VL= ud    (51%)
09/16/2013 - CD4=1,151 VL= ud   (49%)
03/26/2014 - CD4=1,050 VL= ud
11/25/2014 - CD4=1,335 VL= ud
12/01/2015 - CD4=1,115 VL= ud (55%)
11/22/2016 - CD4=1,071 VL= ud (52%)
06/01/2017 - CD4=1,014 VL= ud (53%)
switched to Biktarvy in 2018
04/23/2019 - CD4=1,072 VL= ud (52%)
01/15/2020 - CD4=  925  VL= ud (50%)

Offline Anqueetas

  • Member
  • Posts: 116
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #20 on: October 13, 2012, 11:04:14 pm »
I live in Thailand.  Avoid crushed ice, it is very dirty when they made it.  Hey make sure you get vaccinate for HepA/B, it is very prevalence here in SE.Asia.   Stick to cooked food it is the safest, especially during the monsoon season.
ARS, hospitalized for very high fever-July 2011
diagnosed HIV positive - October 16 2011
CD4 460 19.5% VL 49000 - late October 2011
CD4 625 19.5% VL 50030 - January 2012
CD4 369 19% VL 69000 - March 2012
Start Sustiva+ Truvada - April 17 2012
CD4 524 24.5% VL UD - August 22 2012
Switch to Nevirapine+Truvada
CD4 490 26% VL UD - November 2012
CD4 539 29% VL UD - February 2013
CD4 621 28% VL UD - May 2013

Offline jinghua

  • Member
  • Posts: 138
Re: Traveling to South Asia - Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. Advice?
« Reply #21 on: October 14, 2012, 07:21:02 am »
I have traveled to Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong with my meds and had no issues with customs or immigration. I have breezed through. I would definitely recommend that you keep them in your carry-on for safekeeping just like anywhere when you travel. Make sure you bring enough with you in case of any delays.



I traveled to these places with my meds inside my hand carry and never had any problem~~  ;)

JH
Live started to change...i wish i can have a better life...

 


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