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Medication should always
be well labeled with the original labeling. The generic name of the drug is
useful id refills are required in foreign languages. People should have enough
medication for the entire duration of their trip and possibly more.
Long term travelers
should also register with local Canadian Embassies and find a physician in
the area where they will be.
Medical Reasons
to Postpone Air Travel
Note: The following reasons are for commercial air
travel and does not include pressurized medivac aircraft rescue.
Heart Disorders
- People who have had a recent heart attack should not travel for four weeks.
Similarly, patients who have just had a stroke should refrain from flying
for two weeks. Other conditions that should be stabilized prior to flying
are; severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure, moderate heart failure, and
aortic or abdominal aneurysm.
Lung
Disorders - People with Pneumothorax, congenital lung cysts or poor breathing
(vital capacity less than 50 %). Eye, Ear and Nose problems - Patients who have
had recent eye surgery, acute ear or sinus infection, or if jaw is wired shut.
Abdominal
Disorders - Wait at least 10-14 days after abdominal
surgery. Also avoid flight if acute diverticulitis, esophogeal varices, or acute
food poisoning is present. The symptom of vomiting blood is also a contraindication
and this should be worked out prior to travel.
Psychiatric and
Neurological Disorders - Previous violent or unpredictable behavior, recent
skull fracture, brain tumor, or poorly controlled epilepsy, should be monitored
carefully and flying should be postponed.
Blood Disorders - Certain blood disorders including Anemia (hemoglobin <
85g \ dl) or predisposition to active bleeding (hemophilia or leukemia) may
not do well at increased altitude. Sickle Cell Disease patients shouldn't fly
above 22,500 feet or 6,800 meters because of the risk of a sickling crisis at
lower pressures of oxygen.
Pregnancy - Women
who are pregnant beyond 240 days or with threatened miscarriage, should not
fly as they may require medical help that cannot be provided on an air plane.
Scuba Divers - Divers who have completed their last dive within the past
12-24 hours are at increased risk of Decompression Illness if flying too soon.
The above list is not exhaustive and leaves many illnesses out. Clearance
by a medical doctor should be received. Many patients with the above conditions
can still fly provided their illness is stabilized, the person is prepared
for unexpected problems, and that the individual has an understanding of their
risk of potential problems.
References:
Frommer's Guide for the Disabled Traveler: Francis Barish - 1984
ISBN 0-671-147359-X
A Senior's Guide to Healthy Travel: Donald L. Sullivan - 1994
ISBN 1-56414-126-8
Traveling With Children, 3rd Edition: Lonely Planet
ISBN 0-86442-299-7
Department of Foreign Affairs
www.upgage.gc.ca
International Association for Medical Assistance in Travelers (IAMAT)
www.iamat.org
International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM)
www.istm.org
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