Antibiotics and Flying

[STBYRUD]

Hello folks, just been diagnosed with a light case of pneumonia - supposed to take antibiotics (400mg) for the next 14 days. My doctor wrote me a note for five days, but I am quite sure that I heard that flying with antibiotics is not allowed, but I havent found a reference... Can you help me?
Cheers...

[gingernut]

would have thought the pneumonia would be the factor stopping you flying.

Antibiotics generally give about a 20-40% chance of inducing puking or the shytes.

Have a week off, get on the couch, switch on ITV4 and catchup on "Minder," "The Professionals" and "The Sweeney.":)

[Loose rivets]

While searching for antibiotic data, I happened across a paper only yesterday, which stated unequivocally not to treat pneumonia with ABs in the first instance. I might be able to find it again, but I looked at nearly a hundred sites, so not too sure.

The gist was that nearly all chest infections are - initially at least - viral, and the AB will only serve to reduce one's immune system and be counterproductive.

Frankly, I'm not too convinced, but I have to confess to running to ABs rather quickly. Certainly, the thing I had got much worse after 3 days of ABs.

I think the logic is, most GPs know that in this modern world, the average chest infection will leave the surfaces wide open to bacteria and their patient will sure as eggs, get a secondary (bacteriological ) infection. So, get the stuff in and circulating until it heals.

The cons to this are building resistance to several good ABs, and the difficulty of getting the timing just right.

I'll have a look for the link, but if not, I was searching for anaerobic v aerobic treatments.

I'm off to beg a question of the forum meself.;)

[Jumbo Driver]

STBYRUD, it is my belief that there is no prohibition on flying with antibiotics per se. However, some guidance on this and other medication and ailments is to be found in AIC 99/2004 (http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/current/aic/EG_Circ_2004_P_099_en.pdf), the current issue of "Medication, Alcohol and Flying".

The relevant paragraph is 2(a), which states:

(a) Antibiotics may have short term or delayed side-effects which can affect pilot performance. More significantly, however, their use usually indicates that a significant infection is present and thus the effects of this infection will almost always mean that a pilot is not fit to fly.

You might read para 6(c) too :
(c) Have I given this particular medication a personal trial on the ground of at least 24 hours before flight to ensure that it will not have any adverse effects on my ability to fly?
Hope this helps.

[DX Wombat]

but I am quite sure that I heard that flying with antibiotics is not allowed,As a pilot or a passenger?

[AvMed.IN]

Presuming that you have been diagnosed as a case of Pneumonia, based on X-ray of the chest and blood tests, and are being given antibiotics for resolving the suspected bacterial infection.
Per se, if you are on orally administered antibiotics, they are generally considered compatible with flying duties. Important issue is 'the infection' you are being treated for, as well as, chances of spreading it to others.
Each group of antibiotics has its own side-effects, so also you may be on other medications for relief of pneumonia associated symptoms. So, the disease and the treatment needs to be considered for your being safe in flight, in turn flying safely (assuming you are a pilot).
You may like to PM me in case you have any clarifications to seek.

[STBYRUD]

Thank you folks for the answers, I'll definetely stay home for now, I'll consult my AMC back home - currently working abroad outside of Europe, apart from speaking mediocre English the staff at the hospital was also very liberal in their use of diagnostic tools. Got a chest X-ray as well as a chest CT done, so I'll stop worrying about cosmic radation for the next ten years - the doctors were obviously not familiar with the requirements for piloting aircraft, and on the other hand my employer probably does not want to hear that I cannot fly for the next two weeks, but I'll follow my aeromedical expert's advice in any case. Oh, and thanks for reminding me of those series gingernut, you saved the next couple of weeks ;)

[Flyin'Dutch']

Pneumonia means that your lungs are not working as well as they normally are and that lasts for a little while after finishing the treatment.

Dunno what sort of flying you do but you need a sick note for a bit longer.

[giord]

Hi all !

Quick question hopefully somebody can help me. I am currently on sick leave due to a tonsillitis and I have been on antibiotics for 12 days and just finished my treatment. Blood test results still show an active infection and my doc said it's likely to be like that for another few days for sure till the system is completely clear. Question is can I go back flying or should I wait to be completely clear ?

Thanks

[Flyin'Dutch']

You need to speak to your AME and go with their advice.

[gingernut]

Avoid blood tests unless they are going to guide your management.

[Fire and brimstone]

You need to speak to your AME and go with their advice.

........ and risk being grounded for 18 months?

:rolleyes:

[Flyin'Dutch']

For tonsillitis?

Hardly likely.

[gingernut]

As FD says.

The decision to prescribe antibiotics, is rarely based on "science" as such. There is a move for "near patient testing," but it seems to have hit a bit of a brick wall here in the UK. Generally lab tests are problematic, as there are many "senstivity" and "specificity" issues.

In the case of tonsillitis, it's likely (in the UK), that FeverVIEW(?) , Centor or something simillar will be used to reach the diagnosis.....which is basically and algorythm.

In terms of recovery, empirical tests aren't that helpful usually, the AME would be more interested in how you are feeling, rather than your white cell count, I should imagine.