flying with viral ear infections

[John McNulty]

My eldest son age 17 and my yougest age 12 have been diagnosed with viral ear infections today and are now on anti biotics, Is it safe for them to fly tomorrow?

[colandsuey]

My wife suffered terribly flying back from the Algarve to London in May, after catching a virus during our holiday. She was crying with the pain during the landing, and ended up with a perforated eardrum and pain that lasted for weeks.

I would strongly recommend that you phone your GP or NHS direct (0845 464748) to ask their advice. If they say your kids shouldn't fly then you should be able to cancel your holiday and claim on your travel insurance.

[russandkaty]

Probably sound advice from Colandsuey. I had an ear infection last time I flew and I was concerned to say the least. I wasn't happy however to give up a holiday I'd been planning for for months and that I'd have been unable to do at a later stage. I took the chance and all was fine ... as was the diving I did in Mexico. RIsking your my health may be one thing, but I'm not sure I'd risk that of the kids. Hope you get it sorted - either way.

[terry savage]

Don't do it. Pressure changes cause problems even to healthy ears. Hearing is too precious to put at risk.