HIV infection and international travel

Screening international travelers for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies does little to prevent the spread of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Individuals who are seropositive for HIV antibodies and wish to travel abroad will be subject to varying restrictions, depending on the severity of their illness and the entrance requirements for specific countries. International travel is not a risk factor for HIV infection, since routes of HIV transmission appear to be uniform worldwide. However, prudent precautions are recommended because international travel may modify an individual's risk profile.