Should I fly if I have a cough?

As a rule of thumb, you should avoid flying if you have: A fever of 38° C or higher and a severe cough or. Difficulty breathing or. Chest pain or.



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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines who might be too under-the-weather to fly—namely, anyone with a fever of 100° F (38° C) or higher and a severe cough, or difficulty breathing, or the kind of stomach sickness that makes a hangover look like a picnic.

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One of the major challenges when flying with a cold is the likelihood of experiencing clogged ears. This is especially true during take off and landing. The Eustachian tube connects the inner ear with the back of the throat and works to balance the pressure between the outside air and your body.

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It's important to check with your doctor before you fly whether it's safe for you to travel. If you have a flare-up of your condition, with increased cough, sputum and breathlessness, your doctor may well recommend delaying travel until your symptoms are back to their normal level.

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Infectious Diseases
An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious (infect other passengers).

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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. Flu symptoms include: Fever (Not everyone with flu will have a fever.) Cough o Sore throat.

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Bronchitis is a contagious disease, which means that commercial flights can refuse to have you on board. There are several other conditions linked to bronchitis that prevent flying commercially because the change in air pressure is risky for patients.

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Most people with a lung condition can travel safely on planes, but you should talk to your doctor before you make any plans. You may need a fitness-to-fly (hypoxic challenge) test to confirm whether you need in-flight oxygen.

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Treat congestion before your trip
If you're congested from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, it's important to do what you can to resolve the congestion before you fly. Common treatments for congestion include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays.

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The answer to the question “Can I fly with pneumonia” is in many cases 'No'. Flying in a commercial airliner when you are infected by pneumonia is not possible because of the risks associated with the flight. As a general rule, doctors do not recommend flying commercially.

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The most important thing you can do if you feel yourself getting sick before setting off on a trip is rest. When you sleep, your body is more able to fight off infections – so get as much sleep as you can!

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