Air travel can be a pleasant experience, but it also has a number of health risks that travelers should be aware of. For instance, air travel can be unsafe for pregnant women with underlying risk factors, and there are several infectious diseases that can be transmitted on airplanes.
Pregnant women should always consult their physician before traveling. They should make sure they have travel insurance, and they should follow their doctor’s guidelines regarding vaccinations. If they need medical assistance while on the flight, the airline may provide a physician on board.
People who have recently undergone surgery should make an appointment with their doctor to discuss their air travel plans. They should also talk to their health care provider to learn more about preventing infectious disease on airplanes. Those with a severe respiratory disease should consider postponing their trip.
Travelers who have recently had ear, nose, or throat surgery should contact their health care provider before flying to ensure they are safe for travel. Depending on the severity of the surgery, you may want to avoid flying altogether. A person with a simple cold may be able to fly. But if a cold or other acute illness is accompanied by coughing, covering your mouth with a tissue can help prevent the infection.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you should make an appointment with your physician before flying. The airline may require that you switch to on-board oxygen when you board the plane, or you might need to have your medical oxygen supplies prepared ahead of time.
If you’re traveling with children, be sure to review the FAA’s Child Safety Guidance. It’s a good idea to take along a bottle of milk or a pacifier for infants. You may want to bring a warm towel to put against the ear of children with earaches.
In addition to checking your luggage, you should also check with the airline to see what types of services it offers. Some airlines offer expedited screening, while others have special programs for people with disabilities. If you have a disability, you should also call TSA in advance of your trip to let them know you’re a disabled person.
Children who are older than three years old are often limited to flights that don’t stop, and younger children are required to sit on an unaccompanied minor service. There are several resources for parents with disabled kids, including the “Can I Bring?” app.
The Federal Aviation Administration has no formal research into the safety of air travel for passengers with communicable diseases. However, the Department of Homeland Security does provide some guidelines for air travelers who are concerned about communicable diseases. To protect yourself, you should practice hand hygiene, wear a mask when you cough or sneeze, and stay hydrated.
If you have an existing medical condition, you should also make an appointment with your GP or other health care provider. They can help you make an informed decision about whether or not you should fly, and they can provide information about any vaccinations you need to receive before departing.