Why should you avoid flying when sick?

Flying while sick is particularly problematic due to its impact on the ears and sinuses. When you have a cold, allergies, or other illness affecting your respiratory system, your ears and sinuses can become congested. This congestion can interfere with your ability to equalize pressure during changes in altitude, such as during takeoff and landing. Failure to manage this pressure can cause significant discomfort and potentially lead to barotrauma, which is damage to the ear or sinus cavities from pressure changes.

Furthermore, the sensation of pressure in the ears can distract a pilot and create discomfort, making it hard to focus on flying tasks. Managing these physical effects is crucial, especially in a flying environment where precise control and awareness are necessary for safety.

The other options, while they may contain elements of truth, do not capture the direct connection to the physiological challenges presented when flying while sick, making the impact on ears and sinuses the most relevant concern in this context.