Question
Can I go scuba diving with HIV?
13 May 2010. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Support, Travel.
I’m about to do a scuba diving course and have to fill out a questionnaire about the medication I’m on. I take Kivexa (abacavir and 3TC) and Sustiva (efavirenz) – do you know of any reason why these might make diving a bad idea? I have spoken to the pharmacist at my clinic and she had never been asked before but thought was probably fine.
Thanks!
Answer
Thank you for your question.
There is no reason why your being HIV positive or your taking HIV medication should stop you from scuba diving. As a precaution, all scuba diving companies will ask if you are on any medication. This is in case there is an accident and you need emergency treatment.
Please bear in mind that if you decide to state your medications you are disclosing your HIV status. There is no risk of transmission when scuba diving, especially if you are on medication with an undetectable viral load. However, I would not be surprised if the diving company had a problem with you being HIV positive. This could be especially true in countries with little education about HIV transmission.
I hope you enjoy the diving experience.
Hi Roel and every One,
I am a dive instructor and have hiv more then 7 years and been on medication. I never asked the question myself but it have never been a problem what so ever. About insurance ask your self the question what is more important, enjoy what you do ore be wurry about the rules and regulations others make? It’s a personnel choose but me as I structure I only want my side on the safe side that people can not sue me. (Amerikan thing)
I was googling the question because I runned out of meds and was curious ore the nitrogen could have a efect (pos ore neg)
Will it stop me diving
Sure not
Hi Roel,
I’m not really sure about this. I would suspect that it would depend on the insurance and what the accident was. And if you’ve declined to state that you are on meds when you are. Without more info, I can’t really help. Sorry.
I’ve dived for years with HIV. I do not tell people because I don’t want embarrassing questions. My question is, what if something happens, do I have a problem with the insurance?