Germs On a Plane: Flying With the Flu

Reader Comments
Back to article

I have the flu with a fever, have sent my daughter to her grandma's house so she doesn't get sick. I have a meeting in two days which I need to travel by air for. Called my boss and told him my doctor said no way. My boss of course says, "You can't fly just because you have the flu? Come on" Guess I'm flying or I'm out of a job. Anyone hiring?

Distressed of WA 3:00AM November 13, 2009

Great comment, if you're an engineer. But the real problem is being confined in close proximity to possible idiots flying with the flu! Please save the lectures for other posts. With all due modesty I believe that my post, and others like it try to understand the naive and childish mind set of many who don't know/care about infecting others, with whatever they have.

ChristmasTree of NY 5:17PM November 01, 2009

Think about the amount of heat created by jet engines that is released from the rear of these engines to propel the plane. This heat is captured. It is the same as in your car via the radiator. Heating internal cabin air is not an issue nor does it consume more fuel. Now A/C or cooling (in your car) is another issue, but at -55 degrees F at 35K feet airplane cooling is not an issue just bring on the pressurized heat.

Potter of ID 12:37AM November 01, 2009

I doubt that the cabin air is changed so frequently, since it costs fuel to heat the outside air as it comes into the cabin.

Tom of MA 1:27PM October 30, 2009

After flying I always get a nasty cold. I have a supressed immune system and I called the airlines to learn what their procedure was about wearing an N95 mask which had been recommended by my doctor on their flights. Here's the joke of the day. They said it would be fine but I needed a note from my doctor. Last week I took a trip and wore my mask and I am cold free. Hopefully it will help many others.

Joan of CA 12:56PM October 30, 2009

Now why did they cricise V.P. Biden?

Frank of CA 12:17AM October 30, 2009

Mass air travel ,being relatively new . still poses a risk for the introduction of a contagion to potentially high risk groups in a extremely brief period of time.Look what the Spanish conquistadors brought to the Americas centuries ago.

Smile when you sneeze of CO 4:45PM October 29, 2009

Amazing isn't it? It's a wonder that our species has survived for thousands of years, given our self-centeredness and general dumbness! We Americans are typically quite naive and unaware re public health in general, compared to other countries. In Japan & China, it is very common to see a sick person wearing a mask, so as not to infect others. Also, sick people may not go to work to avoid infecting their co-workers. Wake up folks, it's time to grow up..

ChristmasTree of NY 1:26PM October 29, 2009