TRAVEL HEALTH AND CASUAL SEX

holidays are often associated with romance and experiencing new partners. It has been reported that up to 80% of the U.K.'s new cases of AIDS were contracted abroad (1993-4).

It is extremely important to be aware of the dangers of unprotected sex and the risk factors associated with this. Our destination section is being built with reports on the prevalence of HIV and AIDS (South Africa for example). Although this is not the only transmissible disease it is an indicator of other diseases such as hepatitis B and is certainly the most serious. Other diseases inluce Gonorrhoeae, Genital Herpes, Syphilis and Chlamydia. Only Hepatitis B can be immunised against (3-6 months prior to travel).

The only sure way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases whilst on holiday is abstinence or sex with your long-term partner.

If you do have casual sex whilst abroad, be sure to use extra strong condoms, which should be procured from a reliable source or purchased prior to departure.

Be safe not sorry.

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