Is it OK to fly with a common cold?

For this reason: If you have symptoms of respiratory tract infections, cold or flu symptoms such as a fever, a cough, the chills, shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste, we urge you to please stay home. Just use our rebooking options and postpone your flight - flexible and free of charge.



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What to do before you fly with cold symptoms
  1. Take decongestants. Medicines like Sudafed work to reduce swelling around your Eustachian tubes, giving the ear more of a shot at equalizing, says Linder. ...
  2. Try nasal sprays. Really stuffed up? ...
  3. Pack lozenges. Keep hard candy to suck on or gum to chew in your carry-on as well.


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It is important to note that an airline has the right to refuse a passenger if staff believe that the passenger meets the following conditions: if the passenger could be considered a potential safety hazard, might require medical attention during the flight, has a condition that might deteriorate during the flight, or ...

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If you fly with a head cold or seasonal allergies, Dr. Pinkston said it's possible you may significantly stretch your eardrum because your Eustachian tubes wouldn't be working properly to equalize pressure. If the stretching of the eardrum is considerable, these problems may occur: Capillaries in the ear break.

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The impact being in a pressurised aeroplane could have on your symptoms. Whether you have existing chest problems which could mean flying could make your symptoms worse.

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Should we postpone our plane trip if our child has a cold? It's probably not necessary to postpone your flight if your child has a cold. Children are usually just fine flying when congested, although they may experience some additional ear discomfort during takeoff and landing.

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The dry air, low pressure, and the low amount of oxygen cause the immune system to weaken and can lead to inflamed sinus cavities. This, in addition to being confined in a small area with little airflow, makes it hard to avoid getting sinusitis from another sick passenger.

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If you're travelling long haul with a chesty cough, you're unlikely to rest properly, placing additional strain on your body and leaving you feeling exhausted. If you have existing lung problems, you should always consult your doctor before flying if you have any sort of cough or cold.

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Some recent studies do in fact suggest that traveling, especially flying, can have a negative effect on your immune system, thus making it easier for you to get sick.

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Do not travel if you are sick. If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, do not travel. Stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without using a fever-reducing medicine, such as acetaminophen.

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Luckily, when it comes to air travel, strep throat shouldn't pose much of a problem.

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If your ears feel full and blocked or you keep getting the sensation that they aren't able to pop properly, then flying is probably going to make this worse. It is especially important for children to avoid flying with an ear infection as they are at higher risk due to having narrower Eustachian tubes.

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In extreme circumstances, rupture of the eardrum may occur leading to lasting damage. For this reason, most doctors would agree that it's wise to avoid air travel when you're sick to prevent pain and possible complications.

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