Flying can be a stressful experience, especially if you are not feeling well. While some symptoms might seem minor, boarding a plane with certain health conditions can worsen your discomfort and even pose risks to others. Before you decide to take to the skies, check for these symptoms and consider rescheduling your flight if any apply to you.
1. Fever
A fever is a clear sign that your body is fighting off an infection, whether it is a common cold, the flu, or something more serious. Flying with a fever can be dangerous for you and those around you, as the confined space of an aeroplane can easily facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.
2. Severe cold or Flu symptoms
If you’re experiencing severe cold or flu symptoms such as a persistent cough, body aches, or extreme fatigue, it’s best to stay grounded. The dry air in the cabin can worsen respiratory symptoms, and frequent coughing can disturb fellow passengers.
3. Ear pain
Ear pain or pressure issues can be significantly aggravated during takeoff and landing due to changes in cabin pressure. If you have an ear infection or severe congestion, the pressure changes can cause intense pain and even damage your eardrums.
4. Severe sinus pain
Similar to ear pain, severe sinus congestion can worsen by changes in cabin pressure. This can lead to intense headaches and sinus pain, making your flight incredibly uncomfortable.
5. Chest pain
Chest pain can be indicative of serious conditions such as heart problems or lung issues. If you’re experiencing any form of chest pain, seek medical attention immediately and avoid flying until you have been cleared by a healthcare professional.
6. Gastrointestinal issues
Diarrhoea, vomiting, or severe stomach cramps can make flying a miserable experience. Moreover, the risk of dehydration is higher when you’re in the air. If you have a stomach bug or food poisoning, it’s best to postpone your flight.
7. Recent surgery
If you have recently undergone surgery, especially within the past two weeks, flying can pose a risk of complications such as blood clots. Always consult your doctor about when it’s safe to fly post-surgery.
8. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
If you have a history of blood clots or are at high risk for DVT, flying can increase your risk of a clot forming. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice and take necessary precautions, such as wearing compression stockings or taking blood-thinning medication.
9. Skin infections
Open wounds or contagious skin infections should be fully healed before you travel. The confined environment of an aeroplane can increase the risk of spreading infections to other passengers.
10. Contagious diseases
If you have been diagnosed with a contagious disease such as chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis, it is important to avoid flying until you are no longer contagious. Not only is this for your safety but also the health and well-being of your fellow travellers.
Your health and the health of others should always be a priority when considering air travel.