This newsletter was created by the Cystic Fibrosis Family Advisory Board at Riley. If you have ideas for future newsletter topics, please email them to rileycf.fab@gmail.com.
Tips for Airline Travel
If your trip involves air travel, you will want to carry on your child’s medications and respiratory devices. Never check these items with your luggage.
Make sure your child’s medications are in their original prescription bottles with their labels in-tact. You can also ask your doctor for a note that explains what the medications are and why they are medically necessary. This can be especially helpful if you are carrying needles and syringes for injection.
When you arrive at security, let the TSA agent know that you are carrying medications and (if applicable), a medical device. They may want to open up the bags that are carrying your child’s medicine or vest. It is a good idea to ask the TSA agent to put on fresh gloves before touching your child’s items.
It is important to note that medical supplies do not “count” toward your carry-on limit. Some airlines may put special tags on these items to denote them as medical supplies. (You can ask when you check into your flight whether or not these tags are needed).
Finally, take advantage of the pre-boarding option. This will allow you time to store your child’s vest in an overhead bin. It will also give you time to wipe down the tray tables and arm rests with disinfecting wipes.
Grab-and-Go Enzyme Packs
If your child uses applesauce for enzymes, you can save time by creating grab-and-go enzyme packs. Simply fill a plastic baggie with an applesauce pouch; a disposable plastic spoon; and the number of enzymes needed for a meal or snack. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can label the bags “snack” and “meal.” Not only will all your stuff be in one place, but you can use the plastic bag to rein in the enzyme shells and hand wipes that can sometimes take over when eating out.
Easy Sterilization
If you will have a microwave at your destination, consider sterilizing your child’s nebulizer cups in micro-steam bags. These can be easily ordered on Amazon and can be reused a number of times.
You may also want to consider a Wabi electric steam sterilizer and dryer. While originally created for baby bottles Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has approved its use for nebulizer parts and masks, as well. Parts are sterilized and fully dried in forty-five minutes, and if you want, you can program it to re-dry everything every four hours. Ask Andy for more information about the Wabi!
Preparing with Your Care Team
Check in with your care team at Riley before you go. They can give you any medical documentation that you might need, including:
- A note to carry your child’s medications and vest on the airplane
- A health summary
- Oxygen documentation
- A customs certificate for international travel
- Documentation for an Equal Access or Disability Pass for theme parks