Are You Fit to Fly?

The holiday season is upon us, lots of us use this time to long-haul fly overseas, Australia remaining an island on the other side of the globe for a number of destinations. It is advisable that you see your GP or even specialist before booking a flight to help you with your travel plans. You might need a letter carrying medication onto the flight(emergency medication inhalers and heart sprays, painkillers ,sickness tablets belong into your hand luggage) or a ‘fit to fly’ certificate (certain medical conditions and pregnancy). A number of countries don’t take lightly to unconfirmed carrying of drugs of addiction. Some routine vaccinations might need boostering up and the country you fly to might require specific ones. Will you need antimalarials? (Remember you are not immune against local illness if you were born outside Australia) Travellers need bigger amounts of their usual drugs prescribed. Are there special requirements for your flight (wheelchairs?, aides ? , oxygen? ) Have a routine check (Bloods , BP , general health...)done prior departure, unless you wish to experience foreign health care inside out. Plan your flights wisely, have a stop over if you frail and easily exhausted, allow for jet lag! Are you fit for your specific travel itinerary(climate, accommodation, airports and carrying of luggage) Have you got insurance covering you and your conditions (chronic or terminal illness , pregnancy) Do you carry spare glasses, batteries for hearing aids and a first aid kit ( Anti-diarrhoeas, Anti-emetics) There are a number of no no’s to flying, your doctor can advise you on.
You might not be fit to fly or need to follow specific advice with the following conditions:
- severe or unstable heart- / breathing illness (asthma , angina)
- Acute infections if ill or in fever
- A new Stroke or blood clot anywhere
- Very recent fractures
- Recent surgery
- Middle Ear infections til able to pop ear drums, Sinusitis til resolved
- Pregnancy needs fitness to fly assessment, most airlines refuse transport after 32-36 weeks
- Acute psychiatric illness, or unstable epilepsy
- Diabetes , check dose regime and adjustment with doctor
- Renal Dialysis, check availability of dialysis ahead

Drink plenty (Fluids!! Not Alcohol!!) to prevent blood clotting, keep your calfs exercising, discuss prevention of blood clots with your doctor (especially if you have a history of clots, are pregnant , overweight or have other medical problems)

When planning your itinerary you might check out these:
www.cdc.gov/travel/
www.smarttraveller.gov.au
www.immunise.health.gov.au
www.diabetesnsw.com.au
www.globaldialysis.com

And don’t forget when all is considered, planned and packed you more than likely to have a great time if not the time of your life.