1. Travel Health and Vaccines Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Edmond Hooker, MD, DrPH

Edmond Hooker, MD, DrPH

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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There are a number of conditions that can limit your ability to travel by air. It is important that travelers know these restrictions.

• Recent heart attack: No travel above 2,000 feet for four to six weeks
• Heart failure: No travel for two weeks after an acute decompensation. Then no travel above 10,000 feet
• COPD: No travel if vital capacity is less than 50% of predicted value
• Pneumothorax: No air travel for at least 10 days
• Pregnancy: No surface travel above 15,000 ft.
• Anemia: Oxygen required if hemoglobin below 8.5g/dl
• Sickle cell disease (SS or SC variants): Avoid travel, especially to high elevations
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): For patients with a history of DVT, it is important to get up and move frequently, move the feet a lot, and consider using compressive stockings.
• Recent abdominal surgery with colostomy or ileostomy: No travel for one to 14 days
• Recent eye surgery: Check with your ophthalmologist.
• Recent scuba diving: Wait at least 12 hours before flying. If decompression stops occurred, wait 24 hours.