Final answer:
After diving, flying should be avoided for a significant period to prevent decompression sickness, as dissolved gases in the body need time to dissipate safely. Rapid ascent can lead to dangerous bubble formation in the bloodstream, potentially causing symptoms ranging from rashes to paralysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general rule is after diving, flying should be avoided for a significant amount of time to allow the dissolved gases in a diver's body to return to normal levels and prevent decompression sickness, also known as DCS. This condition occurs when the ambient pressure decreases as a diver ascends to the surface, making the dissolved gases in the body less soluble. If these gases exit the bloodstream too rapidly, they can form bubbles, causing symptoms ranging from rashes and joint pain to more severe effects like paralysis and death. To mitigate the risk of DCS, divers should ascend slowly or make several decompression stops. If DCS still occurs, the affected diver may require hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a decompression chamber.