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How To Avoid Infection While Traveling By Airplane

What To Do In The Airport To Avoid Infection

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To be healthy

Do what you can to avoid getting an infection.

  • Avoid being in crowds as much as possible. For instance, when boarding an airplane:
  • If seats are preassigned: see if you can be the last to board.  Until then, stand away from the group at the boarding gate door.
  • If seats are not preassigned: see if someone can board and hold a seat for you.
  • Avoid sitting next to anyone with a cough or cold.
  • Wash your hands frequently or use an anti-bacterial product on them.
  • Keep your hands away from your face at all times.
  • Wear an infection blocking face mask. You can buy masks at your local pharmacy or online.

Being active is important for your well being.

  • When waiting to board, walk around the airport.
  • Exercise is now possible at many airports -- either in facilities in the airport or nearby. 
  • For a listing in the United States and Canada, including prices for a day pass, hours and phone numbers, see www.airportgyms.com offsite link.

Screening

According to the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), the following people will be not be subjected to screening by imaging technology. Instead they will be screened by an alternate screening technique such as a pat-down.

  • People who use wheelchairs and scooters who cannot stand
  • Anyone who cannot stand with their arms raised at shoulder level for the 5-7 second duration of the scan 
  • Anyone who is not able to stand without the use of a cane, crutch, walker, etc
  • People who are accompanied by a service animal
  • People using or carrying oxygen; 
  • Individuals accompanying and providing assistance to those individuals described above.  

If you are hassled because of the type or quantity of prescription drugs in your possession, be sure to let TSA personnel know about your cancer situation. It can be helpful to carry a letter from your doctor confirming your situation (as well as copies of the prescriptions)..

Boarding

Avoid being in crowds as much as possible. For instance, when boarding an airplane:

  • If seats are preassigned: see if you can be the last to board.  It can't hurt to "play the cancer card" and let boarding personnel know that you are dealing with side effects from cancer treatment and would appreciate boarding late. Until then, stand away from the group at the boarding gate door.  (Who knows? A kind flight attendant may even be willing to pre-board your carry-on luggage for you so there is no question about your medications ending up in the hold.)
  • If seats are not preassigned: see if someone can board and hold a seat for you.

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