Some health conditions can be negatively affected by flying in an aircraft, especially during a long flight. That's why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you have a doctor evaluate your health status before you fly, particularly if you have a health condition and are going overseas. In general, you should not fly in an aircraft if you:
- Currently have an infectious disease.
- Have chest pain or have recently had a stroke or heart attack.
- Are more than 36 weeks pregnant (32 weeks, if carrying twins).
- Have a newborn less than two days old who will be traveling with you.
- Were recently injured or had surgery involving the eyes, brain, bones, or stomach.
- Have swelling of the brain as a result of infection or injury.
- Have sickle cell disease.
- Have a psychotic illness that is not fully controlled.
- Have chronic, severe respiratory disease, a collapsed lung, or have difficulty breathing while at rest.
If you have a fever of 100° (38° C) or higher and it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, this is also a strong indication that you should not fly:
- Weakness.
- Very bad headache.
- Skin rash.
- A persistent bad cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Unexplained bleeding or bruises.
- Yellow color to the skin or eyes.