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Having Severe Cold. Suggest Medications To Feel Better During Long Flight?

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Posted on Fri, 27 Sep 2013
Question: First time flying and have a terrible head cold and will be flying to Calgary this week. any suggestions to help me feel better during the long flight.
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Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I have a few suggestions.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
I have a number of suggestions to help you enjoy your flight.
- get plenty of sleep the night before your flight.
- make sure you know the hand luggage regulations so you don't get any nasty surprises at check-in.
- arrive at the airport in plenty of time to avoid the last minute rush.
- good preparation by having reading or music to occupy your waking time. Make sure your gadgets are all charged. A neck pillow for sleeping. Have Paracetamol available for headaches. Remember to take any regular medications you are on. Decongestants may help your cold symptoms.
- wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- change your watch to the time zone of your destination when you board.
- avoid alcohol.
- drink plenty of soft drinks to keep well hydrated.
- drink caffeine only in moderation.
- support stockings are recommended to reduce the risk of DVTs.
- move around the cabin regularly to improve circulation.
- regular calf exercises to promote circulation in the legs. Rotate your feet in circles every couple of hours.
- do not take sleeping pills as these may put you into a deep sleep that will disrupt your sleep patterns after your trip.
- suck on a boiled sweet during descent to avoid painful pressure building up in your sinuses and ears.
I hope these suggestions help you enjoy your trip.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kerry Pottinger

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

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Having Severe Cold. Suggest Medications To Feel Better During Long Flight?

Brief Answer:
I have a few suggestions.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
I have a number of suggestions to help you enjoy your flight.
- get plenty of sleep the night before your flight.
- make sure you know the hand luggage regulations so you don't get any nasty surprises at check-in.
- arrive at the airport in plenty of time to avoid the last minute rush.
- good preparation by having reading or music to occupy your waking time. Make sure your gadgets are all charged. A neck pillow for sleeping. Have Paracetamol available for headaches. Remember to take any regular medications you are on. Decongestants may help your cold symptoms.
- wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- change your watch to the time zone of your destination when you board.
- avoid alcohol.
- drink plenty of soft drinks to keep well hydrated.
- drink caffeine only in moderation.
- support stockings are recommended to reduce the risk of DVTs.
- move around the cabin regularly to improve circulation.
- regular calf exercises to promote circulation in the legs. Rotate your feet in circles every couple of hours.
- do not take sleeping pills as these may put you into a deep sleep that will disrupt your sleep patterns after your trip.
- suck on a boiled sweet during descent to avoid painful pressure building up in your sinuses and ears.
I hope these suggestions help you enjoy your trip.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA