Abu Dhabi: There are a few precautions people can take if they are suffering from some common medical conditions, and Dr Nadia Bastaki, vice-president for medical services at Etihad Airways, sheds light on these.

Diabetes: Diabetics need to have general instructions from their treating physicians or endocrinologists before flying. If they need insulin doses regularly, it is recommended that they keep the insulin with them in their hand luggage, and request cabin crew to refrigerate it once on board the craft. They must also make sure not to skip their daily meals while travelling so that their blood sugar levels are maintained.

Cardiac patients: All individuals suffering from heart disease must fill out the medical information form for fitness to travel or special assistance (MEDIF), wherein their doctors can include details about the diagnosis, the patient’s condition and precautions required. This is the only information we will have that can enable us to assist the patient if the need arises. They should also inform the airline if they need extra oxygen on board. In addition, patients who have undergone open heart surgery must wait at least two weeks before travelling, while those who have undertaken an angiogram are advised to wait at least five days.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT can occur from any kind of travel that extends for more than six hours in a confined space, not just during air travel. However, not everyone is prone to this kind of clotting. Instead, cancer patients, those with clotting and congenital blood disorders and pregnant women are most likely to develop DVT. For those with increased risk, we recommend that they carry heparin injections with them if required. Otherwise, they can undertake the ankle rotation and stretching exercises prescribed for all passengers once every hour to reduce the risk of developing a clot.

Arthritis or joint pain: Individuals with arthritis or joint conditions do not really need much medical clearance while flying. But they should keep their painkillers handy, and can always request a wheelchair during travel. They can also practise the small exercises which are advised for all passengers on board.

Asthma: Asthmatic individuals should keep their inhalers with them in their hand luggage. All our aircraft are fitted with HEPA air filters so that the internal environment itself is free from microbes. Still, asthma has other triggers and this is why it is essential to have an inhaler with you if you suffer from asthma.

Flu: Those suffering from the flu must practise adequate hand hygiene, and this is why we recommend that they carry hand sanitisers with them and use them regularly. This can help reduce the spread of germs through contact. In addition, we advise that they cover their mouth when coughing with tissues to limit the spread of the virus through airborne droplets. While flu need not be a deterrent to travel, individuals may experience pain due to congestion, especially just as the plane begins to descend from a great height. To reduce this pain, they can use a nasal spray and move their jaws regularly as the airplane descends.

Pregnant women: Women in the first 28 weeks of pregnancy can fly without medical clearance, and this itself should not cause distress. However, most people tend to stress during travel, and this can be a problem. So mothers-to-be should take it easy, keep well hydrated and do the basic leg exercises in their seats.

Children below 12 years: For newborn, parents can request a baby cot so that the flight is more convenient for them. In addition, as the plane begins to reduce its height, it causes ear pain so mothers should suckle their children. The resulting jaw movement helps to relieve the pressure in the ear. Older children, on the other hand, can chew on gum or suck on lollipops to get the same relief.