TRAVELS WITH HIV - THE COMPLIANCE AND HEALTH OF HIV-INFECTED ADULTS WHO TRAVEL

We examined the effects of travel on the health of a group of HIV-infe cted adults (n=89) cared for in a public hospital HIV clinic. In a per iod of 2 years, 45% travelled to a median of 3 US destinations for at least one week and 20% travelled to at least one international destina tion for a mean duration of 20 days. At the time of completion of the survey, the majority of these patients were severely immunosuppressed (median CD4+ count, 120/mm(3)). A physician was consulted concerning t ravel before 53% of the trips, but only one person consulted a travel medicine expert. All but one patient (98%) who was receiving medical t herapy carried sufficient supplies of medication; 95% estimated their compliance with medication at 75% or better. None of the travellers to developing countries received gamma globulin, but one received yellow fever vaccine. Fifteen travellers (43%) became ill either during thei r trip or immediately thereafter; 3 required hospitalization. While mo st illnesses were not severe, 4 patients developed potentially life-th reatening infections including coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, PCP , and bacterial pneumonia, This survey provides information by which t he clinician can anticipate the health care needs of HIV-infected pati ents who travel. HIV-infected patients should be more aware of the nec essity for medical counsel prior to travel.