Travel to Developing Countries - Traveling with Health Problems
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Recommendations for Patients with Lung Disease. The following are some recommendations for patients with lung disease:
- For reasons of fuel economy, jets now fly higher and cabins are pressurized with up to 25% less oxygen than in the past. Patients with lung problems should consult their doctors about whether air travel might worsen their condition.
- People who require supplemental in-flight oxygen cannot supply their own and must make arrangements with the airline. This requires a prescription and the patient must call the air carrier at least 48 hours before the flight. Not all carriers supply in-flight oxygen and none supply oxygen on the ground. That must be arranged separately.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy alters a woman's immune system. Before traveling to any country with health risks, pregnant women should note the following:
- Avoid live vaccines, unless you plan to visit an area endemic for yellow fever. If you are in your first trimester, you should not receive any vaccines at all.
- Be sure you are immune to rubella (German measles) before taking a cruise. Outbreaks of have been reported on cruise ships; this normally harmless disease can cause fetal damage if a pregnant woman contracts it.
- Take strict precautions against mosquitoes if traveling to countries where malaria occurs. Pregnant women appear to be at higher risk for malaria than non-pregnant women.
- Use portable water filters instead of iodine tables for purifying water.
In considering air travel, pregnant women should consider the following:
- Avoid frequent air travel. Although the emissions during flight are generally considered safe, very slight radiation from cosmic rays occurs.
- To avoid hassles during airline travel, carry a letter from the doctor indicating the baby's due date. Most airlines prohibit women who are 35 or more weeks pregnant from flying internationally.
- Walk in the aisles during long flights to help prevent blood clots. Wear seat belts low around your hips in case of air turbulence.
- Try to avoid travel altogether if you are expecting multiple births, you have a history of preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension), or you are at high risk for other conditions such as circulatory problems.
- Radiation from airport security scanners is minimal. However, pregnant passengers may request a hand-wand search.
Review Date: 01/23/2007
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical
School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital
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