Flying with a cold
I was just wandering if anyone else has come across the same problem.
I know we are not really supposed to fly with colds but many people do and have just a little discomfort on descent. However if i even have the slightest sniffle when i fly i am in so much agony on descent it reduces me to tears. in 6 years i have caused a pin prick perferation, caused baratrauma to my right eardrum and had to be of for 3 weeks and even once got stuck in new york for an extra 2 nights cos i flew with a cold and caused an infection in my ear.
I know the reaction of many is that i shouldnt be in this job but this only happens if i have a cold, any other time i have no trouble whatsoever. I have discussed this with my gp who has said i quite likely have a smaller than usual tube in my ear which means it doesnt function as well as it should when i have a cold and thats why i get so blocked up. She also reiterated that i mustnt fly like this.
So i try everything to keep healthy but realisticly in this job its inevitable to catch a cold from time to time.
The other problem of course is my companies sick policy, i dont know if other airlines are the same but to have more than 3 sickness in 12 months results in stage one of getting towards discaplinary level. I have had trouble in the past with managers, one told me that i should consider eating properly and taking vitamins to prevent colds, she didnt even know anything about my life style which i like to think is fairly healthy. Needless to say this manager has never been cabin crew.
I have been of for 6 days now as i have a cold and have blocked ears and sinuses, tho they are starting to clear, but all the sudafed in the world doesnt seem to help. my concern is where i stand legally if i am pulled into the office for this as this is my 2nd occurence of sickness in the last 12 months and have heard that many managers are questioning why crew are phoning in sick just for having a cold. Sorry this is such a long post but would appreciate any views on this subject.