Health advice for fliers DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT) Following the tragic death of 28 year-old Emma Christoffersen in October, who collapsed at Heathrow airport after a long haul flight from Australia to London, many people are questioning the safety of flying by air and evaluating their personal risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). WHAT IS DVT? A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a clotting of the blood in the deep veins of the calf muscle in the lower leg. If a clot develops in the veins it usually makes its presence known by an intense pain in the affected calf. Medical attention should be sought immediately if this occurs, especially after a long flight. In some cases this can become fatal if the clot breaks off and makes its way to the lungs where it can then affect the lung's ability to take in oxygen. DVT related to travel is not a new problem. It was first associated with economy class travel on prolonged non-stop flights back in 1988. It was highlighted when two doctors aged 46 and 60 years developed DVT after non-stop flights to America. DVT is more likely to occur on long haul, non-stop flights when passengers remain seated in the confines of the economy section of the aircraft for the duration of the flight - hence the name "Economy Class Syndrome". WHO IS AT RISK? It is hard to establish just how many people are affected by DVT after a long flight, due to the fact that no official records are kept. However it is important to be aware that it is a potential risk to any traveller. Those in a high risk category should see their doctor before they travel and discuss prevention - smokers, pregnant women, elderly travellers, women taking oral contraceptives, those who have undergone recent surgery or those who are overweight as well as those with any pre-existing medical condition or have experienced a DVT in the past. Some people in the 'at risk' category mentioned above should discuss with their health professional the possibility of taking a small dose of aspirin before they fly. TIP: EXERCISE Today, when many airlines encourage us to stay rooted to our seats and have introduced screens on the back of our seats, it is important to make the effort to exercise at least every half an hour on long flights. Exercising the muscles will pump blood back to the heart. Exercising might mean rotating your ankles, or getting up for a quick walk up and down the aisles. Note that the risk not only applies to flying, but to any form of travel such as coach or bus where you are rooted to one place for hours at a time. TIP: WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING If you suffer from poor circulation try wearing some good hosiery to encourage circulation. However it is important that you do not wear clothing that will cause a restriction of circulation, this can happen with 'pop soxs' just under the knees or socks which are tight around the ankles. Loose clothing is essential on a long flight. Due to the change in atmospheric pressure in a plane gas in your body can expand. Allow room for expansion with loose fitting clothing. TIP: DRINK WATER OR JUICE It is a well-documented fact that too much alcohol, tea and coffee on flights causes dehydration. In addition, the air on a plane is very dry and warmer than we might normally have the temperature at home. It is therefore very important to remain hydrated during a long flight by drinking plenty of water and fruit juices. TIP: RELAX Do not cross your legs, it restricts the blood flow! Remove your shoes, relax and enjoy your flight! www.TravelHealth.co.uk