Flying with a cold

RFX

Well, I've come down with a cold as of this morning, which is usually bad enough, but I also have a cross-country flight tomorrow morning! Now I don't think I'm gonna get better in a day, so I'd really like to hear any tips you guys might have regarding:

1. The best way to get over a cold fast. I don't mean how best to not feel symptoms (Tylenol Flu seems to work wonders for that), but there's all this new stuff out there thats supposed to make recovery time faster (e.g. this new swab I've heard about). Basically, does any of it actually work well?

2. The best way to fly with a cold. I've heard lots of stories about sinus & ear pain, and was wondering what the best way to avoid these were. I have a connecting flight, so that's two takeoffs & landings, which are supposed to be the worst. Is there something to help with the pressure changes, or should I just take some sort of pain reliever (can I take a pain reliever and cold medicine without seeing any side effects)?

It's also not completely vital for me to fly tomorrow - I could delay it a few days, but it would cost me. I'm already considering it, though, as it means I get to spend more time at home and I really don't feel like flying sick. Is it as bad as everyone says, or am I just freaking out over nothing?

romanqwerty

A couple of things id sugest. Bring loads of tissues or handkerchiefs and try to keep you nose as clear as possible. Use some sort of nasal inhalant that clears (i think it's called vicks over here). If your blowing your nose frequently be careful not to blow too hard since it can force the air the other way too and cause pressure and pain on your ear.

Chew gum. Helps a massive load. I've never flown with a cold but my nose is like permablocked so i have flown with a blocked nose. Mostly it was just discomfort. I think i once got a headache though so probably some asperin or the like might help.

Basically i would try and be as prepared as possible.

vonPoonBurGer

RFX wrote:

1. The best way to get over a cold fast. I don't mean how best to not feel symptoms (Tylenol Flu seems to work wonders for that), but there's all this new stuff out there thats supposed to make recovery time faster (e.g. this new swab I've heard about). Basically, does any of it actually work well?

I don't know what the efficacy of these would be, but I doubt they're going to work some miracle cure on you in the next 24 hours. Couldn't hurt to try them I guess (cost aside), but have a plan to deal with flying sick just in case.

RFX wrote:

2. The best way to fly with a cold. I've heard lots of stories about sinus & ear pain, and was wondering what the best way to avoid these were. I have a connecting flight, so that's two takeoffs & landings, which are supposed to be the worst. Is there something to help with the pressure changes, or should I just take some sort of pain reliever (can I take a pain reliever and cold medicine without seeing any side effects)?

Best way to fly with a cold? Be unconscious. Take something that is going to knock you out. I flew with a cold once, and that was my tactic. A little Nyquil before takeoff, and I was out like a light by the time we reached cruising altitude. I'm never able to sleep on planes normally, so in a way it was actually a nice change of pace. So that would be my recommendation, get some meds that will put you to sleep. You don't need to worry about missing your connecting flight if you're still out after landing, the flight attendants will wake your ass up if the hustle and bustle of passengers deplaning doesn't do the trick.

RFX wrote:

Is it as bad as everyone says, or am I just freaking out over nothing?

I flew with a cold and lived to tell the tale. It's really not all that bad.

Theungry

I wouldn't worry too much unless you have a serious sinus headache before you even board, but you should just stay hydrated, keep your sinuses clear and chew gum. If you have the normal response to Nyquil thats probably a good idea too. (I wouldn't know. My body has a bad reaction to Nyquil. When i take it i toss and turn all night and at about 3 AM i start having to pee every 10 minutes.)

If you had an ear infection, i'd say reschedule. A cold isn't going to be a big deal.

GoodOmens

I've had good results from those zinc tablets; I get colds all the time, largely because I teach, and the last few years the zinc seems to help knock them out more quickly. It might just be placebo, though.

Lots of fluids. Airplane air is usually really dry, so you'll need the extra fluids in your system.

yotes

If you have to fly, keep hydrated and secure yourself an aisle seat (so you can pee without having to bother your neighbors). Also, turn down the overhead ventilation to a minimum.

And absolutely don't rely on Dramamine/Benadryl/whatever allergy medicine. You're just going to be very groggy, thirsty and sick as shit if you take that stuff, as opposed to simply groggy and sick. Some plain Tylenol or Aspirin is fine to combat aches and fever, though.