Emergencies happen in the air - and while it's recommended never to fly ill, if you happen to suddenly get really sick, here are eight things you can do, recommended by doctors.
As Dr Daniel Chandler, a primary care physician at Tufts Medical Center, told the Huffington Post, "Airplanes are funny places because things that would be so easy to fix on the ground are more difficult to fix in the air due to a lack of resources and people to fix it."
There are a number of uncomfortable symptoms of illness brought on by flying, including nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, dizziness, congestion, blood clots, sinus infections, and tinnitus. But it's also possible to not notice how sick you are until you're up in the air.
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If you're feeling ill, try not to look at screens (Getty Images)1) Don't look at screens
If you're on an airplane and you feel dizzy or nauseous, you may want to give the screens a break. Lie back and close your eyes instead.
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“If you are experiencing motion sickness, try to avoid things that are visual like your phone or the plane TVs,” Chandler said. “Instead, sleep. But if you can’t sleep, listen to something like music, a podcast or an audiobook.”
2) Drink water
Airplanes can be dehydrating, so bypass the sugary beverages and get some water for your flight. Most airports let you bring an empty bottle and have refilling stations, or you can ask your attendant for a bottle as soon as you get on.
3) Try a bland food
Nervousness, nausea, or dizzyness may make you want to avoid snacking but a bland food can actually help. “Try some bread or crackers,” Chandler said. “Having a small amount of bland food in your stomach can actually take away a little bit of that nausea.”
Eating some bland food may help offset your nausea (Getty Images/iStockphoto)4) Bring meds with you
If you know you tend to have trouble flying, you can bring anti-nausea meds with you. Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are also a good idea.
5) If you're dizzy, stay seated and stare at the horizon
If it's possible, pick a steady spot, and stare it, says Dr Rabia De Latour, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. You should also avoid moving or standing, as that can exacerbate symptoms.
6) Let a flight attendant know
They're trained to know how to deal with certain issues, and that can help them respond quickly if you pass out. Or, they can help ensure you have a bathroom to use while the plane is in the air.
7) Keep an eye out for blood clots
Qing says, "The best defense against blood clots is to simply move your legs every once in a while. Swelling or pain in one leg can be a sign of a blood clot forming."
8) Avoid flying while you're sick
This is the number one rule recommended by doctors. Flying can make your symptoms worse in unexpected ways, and if you end up passing out or needing medical attention, they'll have to ground the plane - and hope you get to the hospital in time. Or, you could end up infecting others if you choose to travel while you're sick.
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