What to do if you get sick on a plane?

Ask for medical help if you need it
Flight attendants really will ask if there's a doctor (or other qualified medical professional) on the plane in case of a medical emergency. Every plane carries a first aid kit with basic supplies, and a medical kit that's available to medical professionals.



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It is recommended that if you have a cold that you do not fly; this should be enforced by airlines in the case of aircrew, and aircrew are required to self-report any symptoms of cold, flu, or similar.

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The flight attendants will assess the situation by asking the passenger to describe their symptoms, assuming they are lucid and conscious. Depending on the case, they will administer care themselves or consult with a medical professional on board or on the ground.

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Dr. O'Rourke believes people are just as likely to catch germs from the air in an airplane as they are in any other enclosed space thanks to HEPA filters and air circulating, but people can still catch germs from hand-to-mouth contact, which may occur if you're snacking on the plane and don't have proper cutlery.

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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 there is no doctor onboard, many airlines have links with emergency medical service providers who can be reached via satellite phone or radio phone to advise on the situation. With support from medical professionals, the crew should now be able to determine what to do next.

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No Legal Duty, but Potentially an Ethical One The ethical duty stems from the fact that doctors and other medical professionals don't lose their training simply because they are off duty and out of uniform.

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The most common in-flight medical emergencies involve:
  • Seizures;
  • Cardiac symptoms;
  • Nausea or vomiting;
  • Respiratory problems and.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.


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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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The Federal Aviation Administration requires commercial aircraft to carry at least one sealed emergency medical kit containing a minimum of 25 specified instruments and medications, plus first-aid kits and automated external defibrillators.

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Directs and assists passengers in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following an emergency landing. Prepares passengers and aircraft for landing, following procedures. Administers first aid to passengers in distress.

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The air pressure while flying increases the risk of blood clots forming, which is not ideal. Heart complications: If you've suffered a heart attack, stroke, cardiac failure or chest pain while at rest, flying should wait. The lower oxygen levels, increased air pressure, high altitude and more could affect your health.

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A trained physician is aboard just about 11 of every 12 flights. The New England Journal of Medicine discovered that in-flight medical emergencies are rare to begin with.

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