HIV/AIDS                                                Back
   Aids has become a problem in Indonesia, including Bali, as it has in the rest of the world. Bali (because it is an international playground) has been very vulnerable and the same precautions should be taken there as anywhere else. However condoms should be brought from home as the quality of the ones in Indonesia are suspect. Bali, being considered rich in the eyes of other Indonesian Islands, draws a large amount of gigolos and prostitutes from those islands. Most of these end up in Kuta Beach but other areas are also affected
   Another thing to watch out for is Tattooing, body piercing & even acupuncture where they may/probably use the same needles. So be careful, especially if your drinking/partying. 
 
                                                                                                    Hepatitis:
Hepatitis is a virus that attacks the liver & is divided into 6 types A - E & G. Types B, C & D are spread the same way as aids - through blood & bodily fluids. Types A & E through food or water contaminated through bodily fluids. Symptoms include (Yellow skin, deep orange urine {this could also be caused by dehydration}, lack of energy, fever, pain in upper stomach, lethargy but can vary from none to all of these symptoms. It is a very dangerous disease so please, TAKE PRECAUTIONS.
                                                      Hepatitis B, C, & D
   They are is spread the same way as aids & though not a killer of the same caliber they are still very dangerous diseases causing extreme liver problems including cancer. Once infected you are a carrier for the rest of your life. Though there is no vaccine, yet, for C & D there is one for the B variety of the disease but you have to get it before exposure.
 
                                                        Hepatitis A & E
   Spread through food/water. I'm vaccinated against this type. There is no vaccination, yet, for type E. If you are not Vaccinated for type A at least get a shot of gamma globulin. This is only good  for about 8 weeks so take it just before you go, or for longer protection get vaccinated with Havrix which forces the body to form antibodies.   
                                                            IN ALL CASES [BE CAREFUL]
 
These medical alerts apply to all developing countries & most of the rest of the world. So, Travel, enjoy yourself but be careful!       Al