Being hepatitis C positive should not stop you from making your usual trips and taking breaks or holidays. However, there may be a few additional things to consider. No matter how long you intend to be away from home, make sure you always have any medication you may be taking with you.
A day trip, whether by car or public transport should pose little difficulty, even for those on interferon treatment. Simply apply common sense and ensure you have adequate refreshments for your journey. If you are driving, take note of how tired you may feel, and if necessary take frequent breaks in your journey.
Longer breaks may require a little more planning. You may need to consider diet restrictions, suitability of accommodation, e.g. if you have difficulty with mobility. If you have special dietary requirements, confirm ahead that they can be catered for.
If you are on treatment, make sure you have all the necessary supplies to administer your interferon. An extra supply of all medication is always useful in case of breakages or travel delays.
Prior to departure ask your doctor for a letter summarising your condition and outlining the treatment you are on. Make sure you have a contact telephone number for your doctor with you.
When planning a foreign holiday it may help to read through the rest of this section and then talk over with your doctor which vaccinations will be necessary and whether it is advisable for you to receive them. This may play a significant part in determining your holiday destination. There is no evidence to suggest the hepatitis C virus can be spread by mosquito bites.
Once again check that any dietary requirements can be met both by the airline and hotel.
Call the airline operator 24 hours in advance to ask where you should keep your medication, ideally this should remain with you at all times. Gain a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and your treatment. If you are carrying needles you should obtain a letter from your doctor explaining why you need the needles, they do not need to say you have hepatitis C, only that the needles are necessary for your treatment.
Ensure you are able to store your medication in a cool place, ideally a fridge or cooler bag.
Try to plan things well in advance so as to avoid becoming stressed and tired so you will gain the most benefit from your break.
