Questions about health

Find our carefully prepared advice for a smooth journey.

3 pieces of health advice for outbound travellers

Consider visiting your doctor 15 days before your departure

Your practitioner will issue you with the necessary certificates and prescriptions. He/she will carry out the necessary vaccinations and checks (ears, teeth, panoramic X-ray if necessary). A routine check-up so that you can travel with peace of mind.

Check the vaccines you’ll need 2-3 months before you are due to travel

Destination, length of the trip, local conditions where you are staying, your medical history: you may be in need of a vaccine. Remember, some vaccines are only offered in accredited centres (yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis). Please consult the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs carefully. For a smooth trip, stay on top of your vaccines!

Look over your travel documents well in advance

Before you leave, it’s a good idea to make a checklist of your important documents. Make sure you have your passport, up-to-date health and vaccination record, European Health Insurance Card and repatriation insurance in your possession. Don’t forget, it can take time to obtain certain documents. A covered traveller is a successful traveller!

Specific circumstances

I'm pregnant and I have to travel

Pregnant women are permitted to travel by plane. Nevertheless, ask for a medical opinion and avoid flying during the last month of your pregnancy and the week following your delivery. In terms of practicalities, choose comfortable clothes and compression stockings. These will make it easier for your blood to circulate: ask your doctor about it. Finally, stay hydrated and fasten your seatbelt below your abdomen, as you would with a pregnancy belt.

My child has chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease which can be dangerous for pregnant women, babies and vulnerable people. If your child has chickenpox, wait until they are no longer contagious. If their spots persist, bring along a certificate proving that they are no longer contagious. Without this document you will not be able to board.

I have a plaster cast, can I board?

Yes, but only if you are able to present a medical certificate* indicating that you are able to travel with a closed cast. Without this authorisation, the airline may deny you access to the plane.

* The medical certificate must indicate the date on which the cast was fitted.

I need oxygen on board

Don’t forget to ask for this when you book.
The airline will either allow you to take your own portable oxygen concentrator on board, depending on the model, or will take care of providing an additional oxygen supply for you on board.

Travelling by plane from A to Zzz

Take a deep breath, follow our advice or take a course in avoiding stress

1. Get some sleep to avoid panic
Try to get a good night's sleep if your flight is scheduled for early in the morning. Avoid stimulants (coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, alcohol) and eat light. Try a little meditation if you can and don't engage in any stressful conversations before take-off. In short, it’s all about keeping calm in the air.

2. Relax as best you can
Not too enthusiastic about flying? That's normal, take-off is THE most nerve-racking moment of the journey. Listen to music and breathe slowly through your abdomen before boarding the plane. Above all, remind yourself that it's only 3 minutes you’ll have to get through.

3. Get it off your chest
Don't panic! Notify the crew of your fear of flying. They are trained to deal with your anxiety and will find the right words to reassure you. Tip: ask for an aisle seat at check-in so that you can communicate with the crew more easily.

4. Time for a course in avoiding stress
Still feeling nervous despite your best efforts? Try out one of the many courses for managing your fear of flying, organised by the compagnies aériennes. Rediscover the thrill of take-off!

Health tips for passenger comfort

You may already know some of these little tricks which help make for a pleasant flight. Discover or rediscover these simple actions which will help you enjoy your journey from take-off to landing. Here we go!

Earache ? Swallow your saliva or chew on some chewing gum. Nothing makes a difference? Pinch your nose and blow very hard to reverse the pressure. Phew!

Do you suffer from airsickness ? Ask for a seat in the middle of the plane when you book or when you check in.

Do you have a circulation problem ? Avoid the risk of thrombosis by wearing compression stockings. Get up regularly to walk about, having made sure to ask for a aisle seat.

Jet lag in sight ? Domptez le décalage horaire en vous mettant dès le décollage sur l’heure de votre destination. Prenez vos repas sur ce fuseau horaire si vous le pouvez.

Thirsty for well-being ? Drink more than usual. Opt for water over alcohol and stimulants (coffee, tea, fizzy drinks).

Travel ZEN

Health information by continent

Africa

If you are planning on travelling to Africa, we recommend you take out travel insurance for medical and repatriation costs

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North America

At 24 million km², North America is the third largest continent in the world. Healthcare quality and conditions...

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South America

South America is a continent with 26 countries. Health risks and conditions may vary from one destination to another

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Asia

With a surface area of 43 million km², Asia is the largest continent in the world. It is home to a wide range of climates, flora, fauna and people.

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The Caribbean

The Caribbean is a vast archipelago of islands divided into two separate regions: the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles.

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Europe

Planning to travel within Europe? Whatever the season, our continent holds various surprises waiting to be discovered and is suitable for all types of trips...

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Indian Ocean

Réunion, Mauritius, the Maldives, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mayotte and Zanzibar : visit the Indian Ocean islands departing from Aéroport de Lyon-Saint Exupéry.

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Oceania

With a surface area of 8 million km², Oceania is the smallest of the world's continents. Encompassing all land between Asia and the Americas...

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First aid and our healthcare area at the airport

Have a minor concern or a more serious injury? Visit the pharmacy, the first aid station or the airport’s medical practice if you need emergency treatment or a one-time fix. You're in good hands!