Fly on an airplane with advance COPD or stay in wildfire smoke?

[heatherchip1]

Hello, my mother-in-law has advanced COPD. Sadly, she is in California where the wildfires are and the smoke is quite bad. We want to bring her up to Washington - a three hour flight - to get her out of the smoke. I am torn between leaving her where the smoke is or having her get on a plane which has risks as well. Any thoughts?

[Shancock]

Firstly speak to the doctors and see what they think. Good luck to you all x

[stone-UK]

Hi

The danger is the toxins within the smoke, your mother in law as to consider moving to a safer area, whether by plane to you. Or by car to a place of safety away from the smoke. Sooner rather than later.

[Bkin]

Speaking with her doctor is a good idea. But definitely move away from the smoke. Train, Bus, boat, anything, even if just for a 2 week holiday somewhere and then reassess the situation.

[Dave-Seattle]

Hi Heatherchip1

Can she wear a HEPA mask with a Granulated Carbon filter? 3m make a nice one but it needs to be a combination HEPA/Granulated Carbon. Industrial supply and Welding supply stores all carry them. The 3m outer filter is #2297 and the granulated carbon filter is #6001. This combination will filter out 99.9% of fine particulate matter and also 99% ozone pollution.

Good luck to you all. Dave

[gingermusic]

Some people even with advanced COPD are able to fly is she normally on oxygen at home? If so you may need to arrange for oxygen on the flight and would need a fit to fly letter from doctor

[hallentine47]

I know it is a long way but could she travel by road or rail?

[roscoe600]

fire smoke is no good for her,move her if you can