respiratory infection

[arakay 0]

Hi everyone! I'm a newbie and am supposed to be taking my first-ever tandem jump this Sunday with a group of friends. Unfortunately, I woke up yesterday with a nasty cold and lots of congestion. I did a search of the forums, and jumping with any sort of congestion seems very ill-advised, but if I'm well enough by Sunday that decongestant clears up the symptoms for awhile (which is a big "if"), should it be okay? I'm very torn here...I really don't want to miss out (and I probably won't get another chance to go for a good long while), but on the other hand I have no desire to injure myself, especially since I'm supposed to be leaving to study abroad in China June 18. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Kara

[tombuch 0]

My best advice is not to jump with any congestion at all. The pressure changes on a skydive can cause extreme ear pain and possible permanent damage. There is also a possibility of vertigo under canopy, and that could be a very serious problem if you are flying your own parachute (AFF, static line jumps), but isn't such a big deal for a tandem passenger.

You said you have a respiratory infection, and that sounds way worse than "a cold." If you can downgrade your problem to a common cold, and your congestion is controlled with an over-the-counter drug such as Sudafed (doesn't make you drowsy), you might be able to try a tandem jump on Sunday. There will always be additional risk, but if the congestion isn't bothering you AT ALL, then it might be worth giving a tandem a shot. If you still have any problem with congestion on jump day, stay on the ground.
.

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[mmytacism 0]

Actually, an upper respiratory infection is usually just a fancy term for the common cold. But good advice nonetheless.

[yardhippie 0]

Like the others suggested. Dont do it unless your head is cleared.
I had plenty of jumps with head colds and never had any major problems.
Then a couple years ago I felt a 'pop' in my forhead on the canopy ride down. then there was the blood.
the pressure couldnt get into my sinus cavity and it burst (actually technically imploded). the worst part is now when I sneeze It gives me a headache. I get two or three sinus infections a year when I used to get only one every year or two.
it hurt a whole lot.

get better. then skydive. it will be more fun.

Goddam dirty hippies piss me off! ~GFD
"What do I get for closing your rig?" ~ me
"Anything you want." ~ female skydiver
Mohoso Rodriguez #865

[arakay 0]

Thanks for the advice! My cold's much better, but I'm still a bit stopped up...guess I'll see how much of it the Sudafed can clear up tomorrow morning. I definitely am prone to sinus problems, so I'm going to hold off unless I can get the congestion completely gone, but here's hoping!

Kara

[Andy_Copland 0]

Your gonna hear a lot of No's on this one mate, its for good reason. Well done finding out first though, good call

1338

People aint made of nothin' but water and shit.

Until morale improves, the beatings will continue.

[arakay 0]

So...still sick today, so I ended up not being able to go.

BUT...my friends had such a good time that they're going again week after next, and I should be well by then!

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