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Questions and information about keeping healthy whilst on a flight.
Q. What are the Guidelines for Inflight Health
A. Some passengers may have been concerned by recent reports suggesting that their health could be threatened by flying long haul. Fortunately, medical experts have reassured us that most of this coverage greatly exaggerates the real risks. Statistically, you have more chance of having a fatal accident on the roads or at home than developing a fatal condition while flying. You'll need to take medical advice before you fly if any
of the following affect you:
- Heart or blood vessel problems, eg. heart attack or failure, angina, stroke,
pacemaker, deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Breathing difficulties, e.g.: chronic bronchitis or emphysema, pneumothorax
(collapsed lung), pulmonary embolism (blood clot), asthma
- Epilepsy
- Recent head injury
- Mobility problems
- Stomach or bowel problems
- Hormone therapy
- Cancer
- Current infectious disease
- Ear or sinus pain
- Pregnancy
- Limb injuries including fractures
- Diabetes, if insulin dependent
- Psychiatric problems
- Any recent surgery
- Requirement for special facilities, e.g.: additional oxygen, nebuliser
- Or if you have any concerns about the impact of flying on your health
You should not fly if:
You've been SCUBA diving within the last 48 hours
You've undergone general anaesthetic or received dental treatment within 48
hours
You've donated blood in the past 24 hours
Move about
Change position often and avoid
crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in developing clotting disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) whether you're on a plane, train or bus.
Walk around
Get out of your seat and
walk around the cabin regularly to improve circulation.
Stretch out
Do the exercises and follow
the advice in the Virgin Touch programme on the Virgin channel - this will help you feel more refreshed when you arrive at your destination.
No pills!
Unless expressly recommended
by your doctor who is aware of your intention to fly, do not take sleeping
tablets on the flight - this will reduce your mobility and make you feel
sluggish.
Mind your ears
Avoid flying with a heavy cold, sinusitis or ear problems as cabin pressure changes during the flight may cause discomfort. If you experience problems during the flight, suck a sweet, chew or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose, this should equalise the pressure in most healthy people. If you are still experiencing problems, speak to a member of cabin crew.
Drink plenty!
Ask a member of cabin
crew if you're thirsty and look out for the regular water and fruit juice
services. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee or carbonated drinks, as they will
dehydrate you.
Eat light
Avoid heavy meals and foods -
air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling.
Moisturise
Your skin, especially your
lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual.
Stay loose
Wear loose fitting,
comfortable clothes and shoes.
Pretend you're already there!
To
minimise the effects of jet lag, set your watch to your destination time as soon
as you board the aircraft and try to adjust your eating/sleeping pattern
accordingly.Q. Do you have a Fear of Flying programme?
A. Yes, for more information on our Flying Without Fear course, please click here.Q. Can you fly if you have been scuba diving?
A. You should not fly if you have been scuba diving within the last 48 hours.
