Health Tips

Recently netizens were shocked to discover the news of a "Baby who died on a normal flight from Malaysia to Australia"

At Doc2Us, we felt deep condolence towards the parents of the child who died.  

Losing a baby on a flight is almost unthinkable. Can this be prevented? Are there any signs or symptoms that one could look out for? What can you do if an infant suddenly collapses and there is no medical assistance immediately available?

If you're in such a situation, then it's important to equip yourself with the knowledge that may save a baby's life. Especially if you're a parent with kids. 

So let's start with the basic.

1. FLYING WITH INFANTS: THE BASICS

Air travel is associated with ear ache caused by rapid changes in air pressure especially during ascent and descent but also during turbulence during the flight.

• The oxygen levels are lower due to lower cabin pressure at high altitudes. This could cause breathing difficulties if the infant has an undiagnosed respiratory problem such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
   
• The air that circulates in the cabin may also carry viruses such as influenza.
   
• Diarrhoea and other infections such as chicken pox and hand foot and mouth are more likely because of passengers and crew are seated in a confined space close to each other. The lavatory may not be thoroughly cleaned between each user.

2) IS MY INFANT OLD ENOUGH TO FLY?

Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) both allow babies more than 1 week old to board an aircraft, it would be better to wait until they are at least 2-3 months old if possible due to the following reasons:

a) Newborn infants, especially under 1 month old, are at higher risk of infection. They may not have any fever or signs of illness until it is too late.

b) If possible, delay until they have received their 1st Diphteria, Tetanus, Polio, Hib and Pertussis vaccines at 6-8 weeks old at least.

Also recommended are the oral Rotavirus and Pneumococcal vaccines which can be given from 6-8 weeks old.
Influenza vaccines are available from 6 months old.

3) LOOKING OUT FOR SIGNS OF TROUBLE:

• If the baby has nasal congestion or coughing please consult your pediatrician before flight.
   
• Breathing difficulties at any age should be taken seriously. See your doctor and ask of baby is fit to fly.
   
• Fever > 38 in an infant especially below 3 months old may mean a significant infection. See Paediatrician and ask if your baby is safe to fly.
   
• Rashes could be a sign of measles, chicken pox, hand foot and mouth or other viral infections. See a Paediatrician and delay flight until better.

4) ALWAYS BE PREPARED:

• Learn how to deal with infant choking and Basic Life Support. See video below for diagram for Infant BLS and Choking algorithms. 

• Keep some basic medications such as paracetamol and saline nasal spray in your cabin luggage. Baby toys and books may provide a useful distraction.
   
• NEVER give infants especially less than 6 months old any sedatives in or before flight. In fact it is not recommended for children less than 2 years old. This could cause their breathing to slow down.

Click here to download the infographic above.

Article written by Dr Salehuddin Samsudin
Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist
ParkCity Medical Centre

Reference:

1. Rahim, Z. (2019). Baby dies in stranger’s arms on flight from Malaysia to Australia. Independent.co.uk, [online] p.Single Page. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/baby-dies-plane-flight-perth-australia-air-asia-malaysia-a8881631.html.

2. Disque Foundation (2017). 8b. Choking in Infants, Basic Life Support (BLS). [video] Available at: https://youtu.be/zp3Su7dIUqk.

Image Credit:

1. https://bookyourbucketlist.com/2018/11/15/how-to-avoid-worry-while-traveling-with-kids/ 

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