Australians warned they will not be able to FLY with flu symptoms

  • Passengers with influenza will not travel according to airline medical guidelines 
  • Qantas and Jetstar have said symptoms include fever, cough and body aches 
  • Flu cases are doubling this year as flu season has started earlier then expected 

By MARY MRAD, ASSISTANT SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

Australians planning to travel abroad this winter might need to reschedule if they have the flu after a warning was issued to travellers. 

Airlines have said symptoms such as a fever, cough and aches/pains are signs a passenger shouldn't be travelling. 

The Qantas Group medical clearance forms have warned: 'Travel [is] not suitable for those displaying obvious signs of influenza.'

A warning has been issued to travellers with influenza as airlines claim they will not be able to fly (file image)

A warning has been issued to travellers with influenza as airlines claim they will not be able to fly (file image)

A Jetstar spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia, contagious and infectious diseases should prevent passengers from travelling. 

'If customers have an illness that could make it unsafe for them to travel we require them to let us know.'

A passenger who has a medical condition and intends to fly is expected to complete a medical travel clearance form. 

'Under Qantas Group Medical Travel Clearance customers with diseases that may be   be contagious are unable to travel unless they have clearance from a doctor,' the spokesperson said. 

However, the airline will not always be aware that someone is unwell if they do not declare it or have overt sign. 

Influenza virologist at The University of Queensland, Dr Kirsty Short, said banning travellers from flying wouldn't eliminate the problem as people can catch then flu at airports.

'It's not a black and white situation. How would you define who has the flu,' she said.

Do I have the flu? 

 The most common symptoms of the flu are:   

1. Sudden appearance of a high fever (38 °C or more)

2. A dry cough

3. Body aches (especially in the head, lower back and legs)

4. Feeling extremely weak and tired (and not wanting to get out of bed)

Other symptoms include the chills, aching behind the eyes, loss of appetite, a sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose.   

                 Source: Better Health Channel

Advertisement

'It is better to create public awareness rather than legislate. However it is strongly recommended if you have the flu not to fly.'

'If you do travel, make sure you stay hydrated, wash your hands and throw away any tissues you use,' Dr Short said. 

NSW Health has encouraged Australians to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves as flu cases are doubling. 

There have been 856 confirmed flu cases in the last week, which is 44 more than the previous week.   

Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Communicable Diseases Branch for NSW Health, said flu season has started earlier then expected.  

'Nearly every state and territory is seeing unusually high levels of flu activity with the national reporting rate almost three times the average for this time of year,' Dr Sheppeard said.

There were 7584 recorded flu cases in NSW during the warmer months.   

Also earlier this year, a measles warning was issued to Jetstar and Virgin passengers after one traveller tested positive.   

Since December 2018, there have been 36 people diagnosed with the disease in NSW alone, the majority being travellers who entered the country. 

The Qantas Group medical clearance forms have warned: 'Travel [is] not suitable for those displaying obvious signs of influenza' (file image)

The Qantas Group medical clearance forms have warned: 'Travel [is] not suitable for those displaying obvious signs of influenza' (file image)

Flu

Most watched News videos