POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: NY2011 on July 12, 2012, 03:19:06 pm
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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?
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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 :)
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-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. ;)
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If you have sex with a local you should not only use a condom but wrap your entire body in plastic food wrap.
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Apparently they hand out ladyboys upon disembarking at the airport.
Your best bet is to politely decline.
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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.
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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 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1355555/PC-Air-launches-worlds-ladyboy-Thai-airline.html).
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You're behind the times -- they do much more than that now (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1355555/PC-Air-launches-worlds-ladyboy-Thai-airline.html).
Oh. Well. There's that.
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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.
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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??
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!!! :)
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the trip was great. thanks for all the advice. no GI issues at all.
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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.
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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