Sexually Transmitted Diseases,
Cancun
and
Blood Borne Infections
(including HIV& Hepatitis B)
Sexually
transmitted
diseases (STD's) including HIV and hepatitis B are endemic
world wide but are more prevalent in certain overseas
destinations.
If
a traveller indulges in casual sex, the risk of
infection with a sexually transmitted disease is high.
Gonorrhoea and syphilis may cause serious long-term
disability, especially if treatment is delayed. Chlamydia
is widespread throughout many countries including European
countries and the UK and is often symptomless and goes
unnoticed for some time. If untreated it can result
in sterility. Hepatitis B and HIV are both also spread
sexually and there is currently no cure for either infection.
 It
is difficult to
be sure about the risk of HIV infection in different
parts of the world. However, it is clear that the infection
is widespread and although the risk is high amongst
homosexual and intravenous drug using groups, on a global
scale, it is primarily a heterosexually spread disease.
Large numbers of the population in many parts of Africa
are infected and AIDS is common. Infection is also widespread
in other countries in Asia and South America. High proportions
of prostitutes are infected.
 The
greatest increase
in the number of HIV cases in the UK are heterosexually
acquired and about 75% of this figure can be attributed
to sex with a partner abroad.
Travellers
should be aware that a person infected with an STD,
HIV or Hepatitis B may appear perfectly healthy and
may not even know that they are infected.
Casual
sexual intercourse is risky. Unprotected sexual
intercourse should avoided with anyone other than a
regular partner. Always use good quality condoms and
carry them rather than try to obtain them at the last
minute. Remember, condoms provide good but not complete
protection.
Alcohol weakens inhibitions and makes it easier
to forget about taking precautions.
Any person
who on return has any reason to believe that they may
have picked up an infection should get a thorough check
up at their local VD clinic.
Intravenous
Drug Abuse and
Tattoos
 Drug-taking
might put the traveller in contact with people who are
HIV positive and should be avoided. Needle sharing is
very dangerous.
Unless
you are absolutely certain that the equipment being
used is sterile, skin-damaging procedures such as ear
piercing, tattooing and acupuncture should be avoided.
 Medical
Care
In
many developing countries standards of infection
control may be inadequate to prevent the spread of blood
borne infections. Instruments may not be sterilised
between patients and re-use of medical supplies, including
needles and syringes is common. Travel packs are available
from chemists and travel clinics, containing sterile
equipment for use in an emergency. These kits should
be supplied with a certificate showing contents and
the reason for its purchase, useful for customs clearance.
Blood
transfusion: In most of Western Europe, North America,
Japan and Australasia all donated blood is now screened
for HIV antibodies.
 However,
in many developing countries
there may be only the most basic blood transfusion services
and much of the blood donated is unscreened. The risks
from blood transfusion in such circumstances are high.
Thus, points to consider are:
- accidents
are the commonest reason for needing a blood transfusion
so they should be avoided where possible, e.g. driving
carefully.
- blood
transfusion should only be accepted when essential.
- pregnancy
or any medical condition which may lead to heavy blood
loss, should be taken into account before travelling
to destinations where good medical facilities will
not be available.
- knowing
your blood group in advance may make it easier to
find a blood donor in an emergency.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
 Hepatitis
B
is a serious illness which is spread as described above.
Symptoms include chronic fatigue, loss of appetite,
fever and jaundice. In a small percentage of individuals
the disease may cause permanent damage or liver cancer.
Fortunately
there is a vaccine available which gives good protection
against the disease. However, it can take up to six
months to become effective.
 Vaccination
is recommended
for those travelling to areas of high prevalence who
plan to remain there for lengthy periods such as voluntary
workers, who may be at risk from medical or dental procedures
carried out in those countries.
Short
term travellers are not generally at risk but may
place themselves at risk by their sexual behaviour.
It is given as a course of three 1ml intra-muscular
injections, the second 28 days after the first and the
third 6 months after the second.
|
