Before embarking on an air trip, knowing the medical condition of your health from a health practitioner before leaving is important, because some illnesses are infectious and could easily spread especially in a confined environment like an aircraft, and that is why we have taken out time to discuss these medical conditions.
Generally speaking, traveling with any means of transportation will take a toll on the body, and for air transportation, this is no different. So what medical condition can stop me from flying? Let’s take a look.
Pregnancy
Of course, being pregnant is a good thing and we all see it as a blessing, but it’s one of the conditions that would prevent you from flying especially if you are in the 37th week or the32nd week, or if your ultrasound shows you are carrying a twin.
Air carriers may require you to present a letter from your doctor that shows your health status, expected date of delivery, and proof to show that the pregnancy is progressing properly. This is to prevent cases of child delivery on board as was the recent case of an Egyptian airline who gave a free pass for life to a baby born on board.
Influenza
Airlines have the right to refuse a passenger that shows symptoms of a medical condition like influenza due to the risk it poses to passengers on board. There are also cases where influenza could worsen as the flight progresses, so except you bring a “Fit to Fly” clearance from your doctor you are likely not to be allowed anywhere close to an aircraft.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is another infectious disease that won’t be permitted onboard particularly if it’s in an early stage. Besides the fact that airlines won’t risk the health of their workers, no one might want to sit near a person that would jeopardize their health status except they are certain of their immunity to the diseases.
Infectious diseases in general such as measles, mumps, and its kind will need a “Fit to Fly” certificate before you can be allowed on board.
Stroke
Flying after a stroke is regarded as risky due to the tendency of getting blood clots. There is no universally acceptable time as to when it is considered safe to fly after a stoke but medical experts have suggested having a 14-day break from all air-related activities, while severe cases will have to wait for at least 3 months before embarking on an air trip.
Mild cases such as Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) would require you to fly after 10 days, but not until you have a doctor’s all clear before embarking on the journey.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
This is a medical condition that occurs in the leg region caused by blood clotting in the veins due to long hours of immobility. To know if you are fit to fly especially after recovering from a DVT, your doctor should access the severity of the clots and why they happened.
Having this information from your doctor will help take the necessary precautions on your next trip. You can also ask for a blood-thinning prescription from your doctor to avoid a future reoccurrence.
Advanced surgery procedures
Flying after a serious surgical procedure should be sorely based on the doctor’s advice due to the series of complications that might occur as a result of flying under such high altitudes. If you are not cleared to fly by a medical expert after any surgical procedure, please do not fly. Any issue that seems to need your immediate attention can always wait; it’s not worth risking your life over any event or occasion.
Final words
We at Raymart Aviation want you to get to your destination as fast as possible, but it shouldn’t be to the detriment of persons around you. Follow medical advice to remain in the best shape possible before embarking on your next trip. Your life is more important than traveling.
To the health we all seek to enjoy, I say cheers!!!