Originally Posted by
exwannabe
I know you did not not want any other suggestions, but a strong sleeping pill might not be that bad in this case. Flying while sick is miserable.
This is not what a Physician would advise.
When one has a respiratory virus infection which reduces lung space for proper breathing and proper inspiration & expiration, taking a strong sleeping pill, will only make matters worse as it relaxes the muscles and the lung muscles have to work harder ... thus reducing Oxygen intake and decreasing CO2 being forced out by expiration.
Even lying down flat can cause problems while breathing in a chest infection,.
The OP is better off staying in his/ her Y seat a with a slight incline to replicate what the hospital would do ... prop up the patient.