Can you fly with cellulitis?
NOTE: The following is not intended as medical advice. Your GP will tell you if you can fly with cellulitis, and, if you can, what medications and precautions you should take.
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis symptoms
Symptoms include red patches of skin which are usually painful, swollen, hot and tender. Fever and fatigue may accompany these symptoms.
Wat parts of the body are affected by cellulitis?
Legs and face are most commonly affected, but the condition can affect any area of the body.
How do you get cellulitis?
A cellulitis infection commonly occurs after the skin is broken, although leg swelling, obesity and old age are also risk factors.
Cellulitis treatment
With antibiotic treatment, the vast majority of cases clear up within seven to ten days.
Cellulitis and flying: Can I fly with cellulitis?
If you suspect you have cellulitis, visit your GP.
If diagnosed with the condition, your doctor will prescribe any necessary treatment.
They will also advise you whether or not you can fly with your cellulitis.
Flying with cellulitis: Fit to Fly certificate
According to patient.info, if your GP agrees you are fit and able to fly, they will provide a certificate with words to the effect of:
- 'I know of no obvious reason why this person should not fly'.
- Or 'There is nothing in the medical record to indicate that flying is risky for this patient'.
If your GP says you can fly, they will provide any necessary prescriptions for additional antibiotics/treatment for the duration of your trip.
You must follow your GP's advice.
What precautions should I take when flying with cellulitis?
Your GP may advise you to take the following steps when flying with cellulitis:
- Wear flight socks
- Exercise in the cabin during the flight (due to possible increased risk of deep vein thrombosis - DVT)
- Take precautions against mosquito bites (mosquito spray; mosquito nets)
- Stay hydrated
- Use a moisturiser on the affected area
You should take copies of prescriptions for any medication for your cellulitis with you on your trip. Show these to immigration officials if asked to do so.
Cellulitis and lymphoedema: How common is cellulitis in people with lymphoedema?
According to lymphoedema.org, "People with lymphoedema are particularly susceptible to cellulitis because the lymphatic system is damaged or overloaded and does not function adequately to fight infection."
If you are a lymphoedema sufferer, cellulitis can be very serious.
Can I fly with cellulitis if I have lymphoedema?
Your GP will advise on whether or not you can fly.
Cellulitis and travel insurance
If you developed cellulitis before purchasing travel insurance, you will need to inform your insurer of your condition - along with any other underlying past, current or re-occurring medical conditions.
They will then decide if they can cover you, and how much the premium will be for travel insurance that covers your cellulitis.
What if I develop cellulitis after taking out my travel insurance policy?
If you developed cellulitis after taking out travel insurance - i.e. before or during your holiday - and you gave your insurer an accurate account of any underlying health conditions, you should be covered for things like:
- cancellations
- postponements
- and/or overseas medical costs
- inclusive of conditions like cellulitis.
What should I do if I need medical attention overseas?
If you need medical attention while abroad, contact your travel insurer as soon as possible.
You should read the Terms and Conditions of your travel insurance policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
Contact your travel insurer directly for advice.
Further reading on cellulitis:
Cellulitis of the leg (RUH BATH, NHS)
What about impetigo? Can you fly with impetigo?
Impetigo is a very contagious skin condition. Anyone can get it, but it's very common in young children.
Impetigo stops being contagious:48 hours after you start using the medicine prescribed by your GP.
If it’s close to your travelling date, you should speak with your GP discuss your travel plans and check their opinion on whether it is ok for you to travel. You will also need to call your airline to confirm their policy on travelling with contagious conditions.
Note, airlines can refuse to allow you or anyone in your party to fly if they suspect anyone to be unwell.
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