PREVENTION OF AIDS AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

• Random sexual encounters in Asia and Africa run a high risk of infection with HIV and the later development of AIDS, as well as hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• The use of condoms decreases the risk of infection. In the absence of a cure for AIDS, avoidance is the only certain means of protection.

Note: condoms purchased abroad may not be reliable. Ideally, condoms should have been treated with a spermicide containing nonoxynol-9.

Dental needles, chiropody instruments, injections, blood transfusions and even tattooing can transmit disease in parts of Asia and Africa, and should be avoided if possible while overseas. Travellers to high-risk areas may be advised to carry a sterile equipment pack (containing hypodermic needles and transfusion kits) with them for emergency medical use.

This paper first appeared in Travel Clinics - A primary care manual
It was sponsored by SmithKline Beecham Vaccines Group