Flu & dive trip

[Jersey]

Of course I come down with the flu Christmas Day because I leave 12/31 for what was supposed to be a dive vacation. I was shocked how fast this hit- woke up feeling fine, by 1:00 headache/body ache & sinus pressure, by 4:00 I thought I'd been run over by a bus. Heading to the doctors this afternoon.

I can't even think about getting near water now - high fever, dizzy from inner ear pressure, breathing problems, wheezing.

My question - are there any guidelines for how long to stay out of water post-flu? Anything I should watch out for long term?

Jersey

 

[smrtblnddiver]

Don't know about guidelines but I got the flu a few weeks ago and even though the "flu" part only lasted about 3 days, I'm STILL fighting the sinus/chest congestion and coughing. So you might be in for the long haul.....

 

[steve_r0binson]

I had a cold three weeks before I was due to dive. I thought that i'd be OK. On the plane on take off my ears were a bit funny. when I decended on the dives it was a little difficalt to equalise as the stuff in my inner ear was thick (yuk) but I equalised slowly. The problem was when I assended ! I was in agony for about 2 hours until the stuff let the preassure out. I tried blowing, snorting sea water but because the stuff was so far into my inner ear I could not get it lose. Anyway if you dive with any amount of blockage you are in for a rough time. Try one dive SLOWLY to see how you get on.

 

[JRScuba]

Having gone through quite a few colds ( flu,etc ) , they do at times, can take a lot out of you. When to dive, that depends on how you feel. It is better to stay out of the water until you have your strength back, then to dive and have complications. You are the best judge of how your body is feeling. Remember, there is always tomorrow.

 

[DandyDon]

Jersey! I feel for you, man. Last year was the first in a long time that I forgot to get a flu shot (which are not guarantees, either), and I started going down New Year Eve. Only guy in the Honky Tonk wearing a tux, looking great, and I had to leave by 10:30pm. With only a week or two before Cozumel, I went to a doc. :clement2:

He suggested a high-dollar flu treatment shot. I asked if I got better, would it be because of the shot, or because it was time to get better. He said you never know for sure, but it's the way to bet.

Melanie! You've been sick too long. Have you seen a physician...?

good luck, both of y'all! don

 

[MaresMan1]

Jersey! I feel for you, man. Last year was the first in a long time that I forgot to get a flu shot (which are not guarantees, either), and I started going down New Year Eve. Only guy in the Honky Tonk wearing a tux, looking great, and I had to leave by 10:30pm. With only a week or two before Cozumel, I went to a doc. :clement2:

He suggested a high-dollar flu treatment shot. I asked if I got better, would it be because of the shot, or because it was time to get better. He said you never know for sure, but it's the way to bet.

Melanie! You've been sick too long. Have you seen a physician...?

good luck, both of y'all! don

Take lots of Zinc tablets(as long as you are not alergic), helps your system to clear the cold symtoms quicker. Till then, see lots of scenery.

Dive Smart, Dive Safe
:cool1:

 

[smrtblnddiver]

Melanie! You've been sick too long. Have you seen a physician...?

good luck, both of y'all! don

Saw one in October for the last cold I had. Didn't see one this time because (a) I knew I had the flu and (b) I knew I'd probably be over it by the time I could get in to see her. I was feeling better when I was in Arizona but then I was around other sick people and then I came back to this frickin COLD weather up here so my body is rebelling. I'll give it a bit more time and then go in. Besides, my folks will be up here in about 2 weeks and I'll hear it from them if I'm still sick..........

I attract cold germs like bees to honey.......

 

[DocVikingo]

There are no science-based guidelines, but there are common sense ones.

It is not prudent to dive until all signs and symptoms have essentially resolved. You should have no remaining fever, cough, congestion, muscle/joint aches, breathing difficulty, significant fatigue or dehydration.

If you in fact have influenza and it became manifest on Christmas Day, and were heading for the doctor yesterday, then departing for a dive trip on 12/31 may be cutting it close. Remember that flying can be difficult with the flu.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo

 

[Jersey]

for the info & they sympathy. While I am packing the gear, I'm afraid it may stay dry this trip :frown: but I would rather live to dive another day then risk trauma to lungs or ears. The way I feel right now, I can't even think of putting gear on. Packing lots of reading material & sunscreen.

Happy New Year!