Chicken pox cases are currently on the rise across the UK, which for families due to jet abroad could mean they are unable to fly.
The infection is a seasonal one and most cases happen in the winter and spring, with infection numbers often peaking between March and May.
Although a common infection, which mostly affects children, it is a highly contagious one which is why many airlines have strict policies on people flying with or after having had chicken pox.
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The main symptoms of the condition are red, itchy spots that eventually dry out and crust over.
And while most cases do not need medical intervention, if you want to fly you may have to see your GP prior to doing so.
With the half term break just around the corner, we have looked at Tui, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2's policies on travelling with chicken pox, or while recovering from it.
easyJet
On its website easyJet's policy states passengers are allowed to travel "seven days after the appearance of the last new spot".
Its website states: "Your health and comfort on board the flight are important to us. If you’ve recently been unwell, you can read about some of the conditions you can fly with and those you can’t below. If your medical condition isn’t covered, or if you have any doubt about your fitness to fly, please seek advice and a fitness to fly certificate from a doctor before you travel.
"We also recommend that you take out travel insurance before making a booking, in case any unexpected illness or event means you need to change your plans."
Tui
TUI states on its website: "If you've recently suffered from chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella or meningitis, there will be a recovery period before you'll be able to travel with TUI. For chickenpox this is 7 days after the last new spot appears."
Jet2
"For the safety of all our customers, at least 7 days must have elapsed since the first spots appeared, with no others forming, before we are able to consider carrying anyone with chicken pox.
"We also need a Fit to Fly certificate from your doctor to confirm this."
Ryanair
You must have a fit to fly certificate to fly with any of the below conditions (not limited to):
- Rubella: Passengers can be accepted for travel four (4) days after the appearance of the rash.
- Measles: Passengers can be accepted for travel seven (7) days after the appearance of the rash.
- Mumps: Passengers can be accepted for travel when all swelling has subsided. This is usually after seven (7) days however it can take up to 14 days.
- Chicken pox: Passengers can be accepted for travel seven (7) days after the appearance of the last new spot.
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