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For any traveller concerned with Luton Airport health risks when flying should read the following unofficial information. Here we give details on in-flight health such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and motions sickness. |
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Any serious health risks when flying are very rare, however many passengers do feel anxious when about to embark on a flight, especially long haul. For this reason we give details on the systems associated with in-flight health risks, and tips on how to avoid any ill health.
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In-flight Health Risks ... |
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| It's worth remembering that any in-flight health risks are rare, and very few passengers suffer with any serious conditions. |
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DVT / Deep Vein Thrombosis ... |
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| DVT - What is it? |
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DVT / Deep Vein Thrombosis is where the blood clots deep within one of the deep veins of the calf, thigh or pelvis because the blood flow is not circulating as it would normally and has become sluggish. This can be caused because the blood is dehydrated or the body is suffering from a recent trauma such as heart disease or abdominal surgery and even childbirth.
As aircraft passengers have little space to move around the blood doesn't circulate as it should and this is why persons travelling on a flight, especially a long haul flight, might suffer from DVT / Deep Vein Thrombosis. |
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| Risk from DVT? |
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- People over 40 are at greater risk.
- A past or family history DVT.
- Recent surgery, particularly abdominal or leg surgery, or injury to the knees or hips.
- Pregnancy or recently having had a baby.
- Cancer, in particular some cancer treatments.
- Circulation and heart problems.
- Obesity.
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| Avoiding DVT? |
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- Drink water or fruit juices to keep hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Exercise the muscles of your lower legs while sitting and move and stretch your feet.
- Do not place anything under the seat in front of you so you can move more easily.
- Walk about the cabin every 1-2hrs.
- Wear graduated compression stockings often known as ‘flight socks’ – particularly important if you are in a high-risk category.
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| Symptoms of DVT? |
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Sometimes DVT / Deep Vein Thrombosis shows no symptoms. This can be dangerous when a person is suffering from a bad case as the alarming potential sequel to DVT is when a piece of the blood clot, called a pulmonary embolus, breaks off and travels to the right side of the heart, causing heart problems or even heart attack.
However, symptoms can include: |
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- Aching or soreness in the calf.
- Swelling in the calf or ankles.
- Slight fever and feeling unwell.
- Symptoms may not start for several days or even weeks.
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| If you suspect DVT? |
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Contact your doctor straight away - treatment in most cases is relatively simple.
If abroad and you suspect DVT contact your holiday rep or airline. |
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Cabin Pressure Sickness ... |
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Planes are pressurized at a different altitude than we are normally used to.
The low pressure in the cabin causes slightly less oxygen in the cabin's circulating air and it's much dryer. |
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- If your ears hurting during either take-off and landing ease the pressure by swallowing - drink something slowly through a straw or chew some gum or suck a sweet.
- Any passengers suffering with heart or breathing problems should take care to take their preventative medicines before travel, and carry supplies in hand luggage.
- When flying any alcohol consumed has 2 to 3 times the effect of a drink at sea level.
- Dehydration is a problem on longer flights, drink water or fruit juices, avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks.
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Flight Motion Sickness... |
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Flight motion sickness is the most common for of in-flight health risks found in flying, especially if turbulence is experienced.
These tips can help to ease the worse effects of motion sickness: |
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- Request a window seat.
- Request a seat over the wings.
- Avoid alcohol 24hrs before flight.
- Keep seat belt fastened during flight.
- Try some natural remedies for motion sickness:
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- Vitamin B6 helps alleviate dizziness, which leads to nausea by promoting the normal function of the nervous system.
- Magnesium reduces stomach acidity and stress.
- Peppermint prevents vomiting and has antispasmodic properties.
- Ginkgo Bilboa is helpful for chronic dizziness and light-headedness.
- Ginger extract can help prevent nausea.
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- Consult your doctor about motion sickness if necessary.
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Prescription Medication & Vaccinations |
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| Do make sure that you, or anyone in your party, on prescription medicines take them before they fly and that they pack plenty of supplies in their hand luggage. |
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- All medicines should be carried in hand luggage with enough supply to last for any delays.
- Any diabetics or epilepsy sufferers should carry a notification and identification card, along with the name and phone number of their doctor.
- Passengers suffering heart or breathing problems should take preventative medicines before travel, and carry medicines in hand luggage.
- Inform the airline of any medical problems when booking your flight.
- Make sure you have had the correct vaccinations for the place you are travelling to.
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Jet lag symptoms vary and usually only last a day or two. Sleep patterns are often disrupted, occasionally causing insomnia.
Jet lag is often found to be worse when multiple time zones have been travelled through. Or when passengers have been travelling east. |
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- Think about only eating meals 1-2 hours ahead of your departure time, so it's more in line with the time zone you'll be landing in.
- Reset watches to your destination time as soon as you have departed.
- Eat lightly and keep hydrated with water and fruit juices avoid alcohol.
- Caffeine drinks can mask fatigue during the days after flying.
- If suffering from sleeplessness try some of the herbal sleeping pills obtainable from your chemist, or consult your doctor if you require sleeping medication.
- Have an occasional nap during the day but limit them to about half an hour.
- Try the herb Ginseng, used for centuries to fight fatigue.
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