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If you are concerned about any of the potential in-flight health risks when flying read this Southampton Airport health risks when flying guide. |
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Southampton Airport In-flight Health ... |
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It's worth noting in the first instance than any serious in-flight health issues are extremely rare, and flying is very safe for the large majority of travellers.
However, should you have concerns this Southampton Airport health risks when flying guide explains the in-flight health risks that can be experienced, the symptoms and also any preventions or cures.
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It's mostly long haul flights that cause any sort of in-flight health risks when flying. The types of problems that might be experience range in seriousness - the more serious DVT/Deep vein thrombosis to the fairly common motion sickness.
Most travellers fly suffering no ill health, however those that do normally have pre-existing medical conditions or have recently been unwell. |
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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 within one of the veins of either the calf, thigh or pelvis because blood flow's become slow and sluggish as it's dehydrated or has recently suffered from trauma like abdominal surgery, heart disease or even childbirth.
As a plane has cramped seating conditions, and there are often times of immobility DVT is suffered. Often DVT/Deep vein thrombosis is referred to as ‘Travellers Thrombosis’. |
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| Who's at risk from DVT? |
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- A past or family history DVT
- People over 40
- Those who've under gone recent abdominal or leg surgery or injured 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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| How to avoid DVT? |
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- Drink lots of water during your flight to keep hydrated and avoid all alcoholic and caffeinated drinks
- Wear loose clothing
- Exercise the lower leg muscles and stretch your feet when seated
- Walk around the cabin every hour or so
- Wear graduated compression stockings ‘flight socks’ especially if high risk from any of the above
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| Symptoms of DVT? |
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DVT can be uncomfortable however it's not the primary concern.
The more alarming potential to DVT is when a piece of the blood clot, called a pulmonary embolus, breaks off, travels to the right side of the heart, causing heart problems or even heart attack.
Sometimes there are no symptoms of DVT and this is what makes Deep vein thrombosis dangerous.
However, some symptoms can include: |
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- Aching of the calf or general soreness
- Swelling in the ankles or calves
- Slight fever and feeling generally unwell
- Do note that symptoms might not start for several days or even weeks
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| Suspecting DVT? |
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If you suspect that you might have DVT/Deep vein thrombosis see a doctor straight away - in most cases treatment is relatively simple.
If on holiday and you suspect DVT contact your holiday rep or contact the airline you've travelled with, or go to the nearest hospital. |
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Cabin Pressure Sickness ... |
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Cabin pressure sickness is caused as the aircraft is flying at altitude with an air pressure much lower than we're used to.
The low pressure means there's slightly less oxygen circulating in the cabin's air and it is dryer, causing: |
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- Ears to hurt during take-off or landing - chew or swallow by drinking or chewing gum
- Any passengers with either heart and/or breathing problems should be careful to take their medication
- Alcohol has 2 to 3 times the effect of a drink at sea level
- Dehydration can make you feel sick so drink lots of water before and during your flight, avoiding alcohol and caffeine drinks too
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Common Motion Sickness... |
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| Motion sickness is pretty common with travellers when turbulence is experienced on the fight. Here are some things that can help if you suffer from motion sickness. |
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- A window seat
- A seat over the wings
- Avoiding alcohol 24 hours before and during the flight
- Keeping your seat belt fastened
- And try some natural remedies that can help motion sickness:
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- Vitamin B6 - alleviates dizziness
- Magnesium - reduces stress and stomach acidity
- Peppermint - prevents vomiting
- Ginkgo Bilboa - helpful for chronic dizziness
- Ginger extract - prevents nausea
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- Consult your doctor about motion sickness if necessary.
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Travelling On Medication ... |
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If you are travelling and are taking medication always make sure you have taken your medication - if due to - before flying. Be especially vigilant when there are time differences to consider or when delayed.
Always pack your medication in your hand luggage.
Always pack enough medication for any delays you might experience. |
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- Carry all your emergency medicines in your hand luggage, taking enough for delays
- If a diabetic or epilepsy sufferer carry your notification and ID card, along with your Doctor's details
- It's best to inform the airline of your medical problems when booking your flight
- Have you had the correct vaccinations for the Country you are travelling to?
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Jet lag symptoms normally vary from passenger to passengers. Whether these are very bad, or symptoms or just minor it's caused by your body clock being out of phase with the destination time.
Evidence shows that jet lag is more common the more time zones you've travelled through. Also travelling east seems to be more problematic.
Jet lag symptoms include disrupted sleep and general tiredness. If you are concerned you'll suffer from jet lag try these simple tips: |
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- Move your meals, along with when you sleep, closer to the time of the Country you're travelling to
- Reset your watch as soon as you've taken off
- Eat small meals and drink plenty of water throughout your flight
- If you are suffering badly have the odd caffeine drink to get your through
- Try having a nap during the day but only for half an hour or so
- Try Ginseng that's helped fight fatigue for centuries
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