Cancer Patients Can Easily Travel Safely

Great tips to make traveling easier and safer for cancer patients.

When traveling, whether for business or pleasure, there may be a time where your health can impact your overall travel experience. The solid rule of thumb and respect for others is: if you’re sick, contagious or overall not well then don’t travel. However there are conditions that allow people to travel when they may be in less than perfect health, but not contagious. These can be individuals with injuries such as broken bones or in this article, one specific example are cancer patients. Cancer patients are not contagious. If they’ve been given approval from their physician to travel, they may travel. This includes all types of travel like flying, cruising and rail travel. Planning ahead will allow them the creature comforts so they can be comfortable while traveling.

In order for cancer patients to travel comfortably and safely they need properly prepare themselves for their trip.

Usually the doctor may recommend wearing a “mask” and in some cases gloves. These can easily be purchased online or at a local drug store. The mask will prevent some germs/airborne agents from entering the nasal/mouth cavities. It is suggested that putting on the mask before you actually arrive at the airport, is best. Once entering the airport and preceding to the TSA security area, the TSA agent will probably ask that the mask be “removed” to verify ID of the passenger. They check the picture on the valid government ID vs. the person standing in front of them.

Depending on the airline of travel, it is advisable to request pre-boarding. This can be helpful so that the passenger can thoroughly disinfect the seat/seating area of the aircraft where they’ll be seated for the duration of the flight. Cancer patients have a very weak immune system, so this is a good plan. There are various disinfectant wipes a person can carry, but most airlines will provide additional if requested. Wipe down the entire seat, seat-belt, arm-rest, service tray, back/sides of all adjacent seats. It is always advisable to let the gate agents and flight attendants be aware that there is no reason for alarm – nothing is contagious. They generally will provide support, suggestions and a friendly smile.

Of course the flight itself should be seamless, but remember as you may wander about the aircraft cabin, to be aware of everything touched. It is advisable to keep a couple of those disinfectant wipes in your purse/pocket so if you need to use the restroom, go to the galley etc… you’re prepared. It is suggested that carrying a sipping straw is handy because the mask does hamper the ability to drink from a glass! Some airlines have straws, some don’t. Again, preparation will allow for a more pleasant experience.

Upon disembarking from the aircraft, awareness is important as you navigate the arrival airport. If it’s an international airport, you will have customs and immigration. Again, be prepared to remove the mask for identification purposes. As you make your way to ground transportation/baggage claim be aware of your environment.

Of course, these tips are suggestions… certainly not to be the only guidelines for cancer patients when traveling. Always rely on medical experts to define the perfect travel recommendations.

Perhaps some of these travel tips for cancer patients can help you or someone you know.

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