Travel health and safety
Jet lag
Safety
DVT explained
General health problems
Pregnant travellers and new mothers
Jet lag
This is another common condition affecting travellers, the result of travelling east or west across time zones. In general, the more time zones you cross, the greater the effect. The results are more sever when traveling eastwards, because you tend to 'lose hours'. There are various methods of reducing the effects of jet lag, try some of the following:
Set your watch to local time throughout the flight
Eat certain foods - research 'jet lag diets'
Maintain a normal routine; sleep at night, not too much during the day
Get out and about when you reach your destination
Medication - sleeping pills or melatonin - taken at your destination
Motion-sickness sufferers can take medication prior to departure to help relieve adverse affects of air travel.
Safety
While many frequent fliers ignore safety videos and other safety information provided on board the plane, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout of the aircraft and, at the very least, take note of where the nearest emergency exit is. First time fliers may wish to check the location of their lifejacket and read the safety information card located in the pocket of the rear of the seat in front of them.
DVT explained
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) within a deep vein, commonly in the thigh or calf. The blood clot can either partially or completely block the flow of blood in the vein. DVT occurs when the flow of blood is restricted in a vein, and a clot forms. It can be caused by poor circulation because of problems such as heart disease, a recent heart attack or stroke, varicose veins, or from inactivity or prolonged bed rest.
DVT may develop during a long flight and has been dubbed 'economy class syndrome' because the cheaper seats in a plane have less leg room, restricting
movement. However, it is not confined to economy class or to long haul flights. Although anyone can develop DVT on a flight, certain people are more vulnerable, including pregnant women, people who are overweight, those whose feet don't reach the floor (because the seat puts more pressure on the backs of their legs), the elderly, smokers and those with coronary artery diseases and certain blood conditions.
The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include:
tenderness and redness in the affected area
pain and swelling in areas drained by the vein where the blood clot is located
fever
rapid heart beat
sudden, unexplained cough
joint pain and soreness
Your chances of developing DVT from a long flight are thought to be only one in several million, but you can take simple measures to reduce this risk still further. Have a single low-dose aspirin just before you board the plane. This helps to thin the blood. However, do not take it if you have stomach ulcers or suffer badly from indigestion, or you could get bleeding in your stomach. Wear loose clothing and move around before boarding.
Most important of all, do not just sit still in your seat during the flight. Wriggle your toes and flex your ankles to keep your circulation going, and walk up and down the aisle when you can (at least once an hour). Do not cross your legs. Drink plenty of water during the flight, and avoid alcohol, to ensure you don't become dehydrated. Those with a higher risk of developing DVT should consult a doctor before flying.
Seek medical advice if you have symptoms suggesting DVT, even if they only appear several weeks after you have been on a plane, or after a short flight. The most common, serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot breaks free from a vein wall, travels to the lung and blocks an artery. A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention.
General health problems
If you have recently had a heart attack, or suffer from angina attacks you are advised no to fly.
Asthma sufferers should have no problem flying but be sure to have inhalers and other aids at hand. There is a slight drop in cabin pressure during take off and landing, which may create breathing problems.
A minimum of a three-week period is recommended if you intend to fly after suffering from a stroke.
Diabetics shouldn't have any major problems while flying, provided they continue with their daily medication requirements and should keep to their regular meal (and insulin dosages where applicable) schedule, despite a change in time zones. After you have landed you can gradually readjust your mealtime schedule. It is advisable to advise the airline in advance about your dietary limitations.
Pregnant travellers and new mothers
Travelling by air when you are pregnant isn't likely to affect you, other than the discomfort of long periods seated in a cramped space. However, most airlines do not allow women to fly after their 35th week of pregnancy unless it is an exceptional case. By contacting the airline in advance you can arrange personal help for yourself or your baby. New mothers should contact their GP about travelling with infants.