Physical and Mental Health on the International Space Station (ISS)
Astronauts undergo rigorous monitoring of their physical and mental health, exercise routines, and dietary intake before, during, and after their missions.
This careful oversight ensures the health of both astronauts and the spacecraft, minimizing the risk of serious health issues during their time in space.
However, astronauts do frequently report common health complaints such as motion sickness, back pain, skin rashes, fungal infections, and cold sores. They are also susceptible to symptoms stemming from viral and bacterial infections, attributed to the sterile, high-touch environment of the ISS.
Astronauts receive basic medical training to help manage these issues. The onboard medical kit is comprehensive, featuring various medications, consumables, a defibrillator, a portable ultrasound machine, and an ophthalmoscope for eye examinations.
This preparation allows the crew to address a range of health issues, from headaches to heart attacks, with support from medical teams on Earth for more serious conditions.
Actual medical emergencies that necessitate surgery, complex treatments, or isolation are rare. For instance, the probability of acute illness, such as appendicitis aboard the ISS, is estimated at 1 to 2 cases per 100,000 person-days—translating to approximately 1 to 2 cases every 45 years for a crew of six. In such critical situations, repatriation to Earth is the only viable option.
Historically, three evacuations have occurred due to potential appendicitis, prostatitis, and arrhythmia from the Salyut and Mir space stations during the 1970s and 1980s.
This article answers the question from Nick Olsen via email: “What happens if I get sick on the ISS?”
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