What is the recommended approach to in-flight fever with respiratory symptoms?

• A. Take a decongestant and fly
• B. Do not fly; seek medical assessment; isolate if contagious per policy.
• C. Fly with a mask and continue
• D. Seek medical assessment after landing only

Answer: (B)

When fever with respiratory symptoms is present, the priority is to prevent spread and ensure your safety. The best approach is not to fly, seek medical assessment promptly, and isolate if you are contagious per policy. Fever plus respiratory illness could be due to influenza, COVID-19, or another contagious condition, and air travel can expose many people in a confined cabin. A clinician can evaluate severity, provide treatment, and determine whether you are fit to fly or should postpone travel.

Taking a decongestant and flying doesn’t address potential contagious illness or medical risk. Flying with fever and respiratory symptoms can worsen your condition mid-flight and increases the chance of transmitting illness to others. Wearing a mask and continuing to fly still carries transmission risk and does not substitute for medical clearance or isolation. Waiting to seek assessment after landing delays care for you and delays protection of others.