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PRE-FLIGHT MEASURES
Medical cautionary
measures: Due to the effects of air cabin pressure (equivalent to
being 5,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level), the body�s oxygen saturation
percentage drops 6-8 points in a pressurized cabin. Less cabin pressure
results in less oxygen — this can be a problem for those who suffer
from heart and/or lung disorders.
- Speak to a physician
if you have a history of cardiac or pulmonary disease or cancer.
- If you�ve had
surgery, including eye or oral/dental, within the last month, check
with your physician prior to flying.
- If you wear
contact lenses, consider wearing glasses during the flight, or using
commercially available lubricating eye drops, as reduced
cabin humidity can cause eye irritation.
- If you have
a cold or an infection — particularly ear, nose, and/or sinus infections
— cancel your flight. Congestion can lead to pain, bleeding,
and possibly a ruptured eardrum or sinus damage.
- If you are pregnant,
check with your physician before flying.
- If you are diabetic,
discuss what adjustments to make to your medication schedule if
you are flying across multiple time zones.
- It is dangerous
to fly immediately after scuba diving. If you have been scuba diving,
wait 12-24 hours (depending on the depths and number
of dives performed) before flying.
Medications
- Place all medication(s) — both prescription and over-the-counter — and any medical supplies (insulin syringes) in a carry-on bag. Not only will
they be less likely to be lost, but they will not be exposed to
temperature changes that occur in the cargo/storage
area.
- Bring a copy
of the prescription and your physician�s contact information with
you in case the medication is lost or stolen. Also,
know the generic names of all your medications as brand names can
vary.
- Carry medications
in the original bottles to help avoid security issues.
- Take along extra
medication(s) in case the return trip is delayed.
Personal habits
- Drink fluids
before and during your flight to avoid dehydration.
- Limit your alcohol
intake at least 24 hours before flying, particularly if you suffer
from motion sickness.
DURING FLIGHT
Drinking and eating
- Avoid alcohol
and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration. Drink plenty
of fluids (aim for 8 ounces per hour). Water and fruit
juices are best.
- Request only
bottled water or canned beverages, especially if you have a suppressed
immune system.
- Eat lightly.
Sleeping
- Sleep on the
plane to avoid jet lag.
- Do not use an
airline provided-blanket or pillow unless it is in a sealed package,
to avoid germs on a previously used item.
Exercise
- Flex and rotate
your neck, back, shoulders, and ankles every 20-30 minutes to avoid
stiffness. If sitting for more than 30 minutes, get
up slowly; blood may have pooled, which can cause dizziness upon
sudden standing.
- Take a walk
around the cabin every hour or two if flight safety permits.
- If you are pregnant,
request an aisle seat and walk about the plane when this is permitted
during flight. Place the seatbelt low on your pelvis
to avoid fetal injury.
Illness
- If the person
next to you is coughing, request to be moved if possible.
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