It’s important to know how to protect yourself while traveling. Disease is actually the leading cause of death worldwide, and it’s a major concern for travelers. But not all types of protection are the same. Knowing what type of protection to get is crucial when planning your travel plans.
There are three major types of antigen tests for travel: HIV, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis. Each offer different levels of protection, depending on which one you choose. Here’s a quick rundown so you can plan ahead:
HIV Antigen Test: This test checks for HIV antibodies in the blood or saliva and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a routine precautionary measure before traveling.
Hepatitis B Antigen Test: This test checks for Hepatitis B surface antibodies in the blood and is usually done when there may be an increased risk for exposure to this disease, like if you will be staying
The Different Types of Antigen Tests
for Travel
There are three major types of antigen tests for travel: HIV, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis. Each offer different levels of protection, depending on which one you choose. Here’s a quick rundown so you can plan ahead:
HIV Antigen Test: This test checks for HIV antibodies in the blood or saliva and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a routine precautionary measure before traveling.
Hepatitis B Antigen Test: This test checks for Hepatitis B surface antibodies in the blood and is usually done when there may be an increased risk for exposure to this disease, like if you will be staying longer than six months in a country with a high prevalence of Hepatitis B.
Meningitis Antigen Test: If you’re traveling to a region with high rates of meningococcal diseases (like Africa or Asia), this test should be given at least two weeks before your departure date (or as early as possible). Though it’s not typically required, it offers the highest level of protection against meningococcal diseases
What Does the Test Check For?
The test checks for HIV antibodies in the blood or saliva and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a routine precautionary measure before traveling.
Hepatitis B Antigen Test: This test checks for Hepatitis B surface antibodies in the blood and is usually done when there may be an increased risk for exposure to this disease, like if you will be staying with someone who has the infection, your medical history includes hepatitis B, or you have been exposed to an infected person’s blood.
Meningitis Antigen Test: This test checks for Meningitis-causing bacteria in the spinal fluid and is usually done as a routine precautionary measure before traveling.
When Should I Get One?
It’s recommended to get an antigen test before you travel if you have any type of medical condition that might make you more susceptible to a virus. Travelers with HIV or Hepatitis B should get a test before every trip. The CDC recommends travelers with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I, leprosy, or tuberculosis should also get a Hepatitis B Antigen Test before traveling. It’s important to note that the results from this test do not provide protection against Hepatitis B and that immunity may be broken by prolonged exposure to the sun, alcohol consumption, unusual drugs for your system, or stress.
Meningitis Antigen Test: This test checks for Neisseria meningitidis antibodies in blood serum and is usually offered as a routine precautionary measure before traveling in countries where Meningitis is prevalent.
Conclusion
If you’re not sure when to get an antigen test, the best rule of thumb is before you go abroad. The test will take a few days to process and you can use this time to ask any questions you may have and get any supplies you may need.
When you get back from your trip, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to check your immune system to make sure everything is working properly. This is done with a post-travel antibody test. The antigen test also screens for any potential vaccine-preventable illnesses in some countries, so it’s important to get one before you travel abroad.
This information will help you understand what type of antigen test is best for you and when it’s appropriate to get one.