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-   -   Head Cold -Cancel Trip? (https://www.fodors.com/community/air-travel/head-cold-cancel-trip-970798/)

cupspinner Mar 17th, 2013 11:47 AM

Head Cold -Cancel Trip?
 
I posted this on the Italy forum, then it occurred to me, that this might be a better place for my question.

I woke up with a head cold.

I am scheduled to fly out tomorrow noon to go to Venice & the Veneto for 15 days. I have 2 layovers enroute. My question is, should I cancel this flight/trip? (I'll lose the Visa "points") I have trip insurance for the rentals and various tickets I've paid for in advance, so that would be reimbursed.

I've taken Mucinex and Sudafed today in preparation, but still feel really plugged up. I've also lost most of my sense of taste (Great timing). Not much in the way of symptoms other than sinus pressure & headache and post nasal drainage. Pretty congested feeling.

I had sensed the cold coming on earlier in the week, and took all the usual herbs and supplements to nip it in the bud, but it didn't work.

I'll use Earplanes ear plugs, but I am concerned about damaging my ears. I once had my eardrums bleed during a flight and it is not something I care to repeat. At that time, I hadn't taken any measures, and Earplanes hadn't been invented.

This is my first time traveling solo, having been widowed recently. I'm taking the trip "we" were going to take.

I'm just looking for input from more experienced travelers, with this sinus situation.
Thanks

julia1 Mar 17th, 2013 12:23 PM

Have you asked your doctor?

cupspinner Mar 17th, 2013 02:36 PM

My doctor is not available on the weekends, and, of course I came down with it on a Saturday, and fly out Monday morning.

I guess I just load up with Mucinex and Sudafed and nose spray and soldier on.

I didn't know if more experienced travelers would have other remedies or ideas that I may have overlooked.

dutyfree Mar 17th, 2013 08:20 PM

I think that only you can tell how bad the cold is. As a flight attendant, I am always worried about bursting an eardrum. However, if you take the Sudafed (the best),bring gum to chew for take off and landings and bring Afrin to use "just in case" you might be able to go.
Is there anyway that you can go to an immediate care center tomorrow morning before you have to leave to verify that it is only a cold and that you might be alright by a trained medical person?
I wish you luck as I know how hard it is to rebook everything!

NoFlyZone Mar 18th, 2013 09:07 AM

...and hope you have a gracious FA who knows how to mix up a hot toddy. Cured me once in-flight!


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