South Africa is an exhilarating, spectacular and complex
country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process
of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and
sense of progress about the place. Travelers too are returning
to a remarkable land that has been off the trail for way too
long.
The infrastructure is constantly improving, the
climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's
wildlife. But if you want to understand the country, you'll have
to deal with the full spectrum. Poverty, the AIDS pandemic and
violence remain a problem.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
How to Avoid Getting Aids
while Traveling in Africa
HIV is spread through the exchange of infected body fluids:
blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. If HIV-infected
blood is present in saliva, there may be a risk of transmission.
It can also be transmitted through contaminated blood or
contaminated blood products, such as through a blood transfusion
or organ donation.
- Don't have sex (vaginal, oral or
anal) with strangers or commercial sex workers, and
avoid casual sexual contacts.
- If you are going to have sex with
a new partner, use latex (or if allergic, use
polyurethane) condoms consistently and correctly for
every sexual contact. Before departure, pack your
own supply of high-quality latex condoms.
- Don't share needles or syringes.
- Don't share razors, toothbrushes
or shavers.
- Don't receive tattooing,
body-piercing, acupuncture or other skin-piercing
treatments and cosmetic procedures.
- Don't receive injections or
transfusions unless it is an emergency. If you must
receive blood while traveling, try to ensure the
donated blood has been tested for HIV. If you cannot
ensure the blood has been screened, and you do not
require emergency care, return home for treatment.
- Pack a supply of syringes,
needles and blood products to cover the length of
your trip if you require any of those for regular
treatment. Also carry a medical certificate
explaining the supply.
- Consider packing a suture kit
containing sterile needles, syringes and suture
material.
Note: The above travel tips were
offered by the US State Department and are for persons
traveling who may have health issues |
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