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If you are concerned about the potential in-flight health hazards read the following guide for prevention and also typical symtoms experienced. Although, do be aware that very few passengers ever suffer from any serious in-flight health problems. |
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Stansted Airport Health Risks When Flying ... |
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As stated, few passengers suffer with any adverse health risks when flying. The most common that most passengers are aware of, but again, few suffer from, is Deep Vein Thrombosis, known as DVT (detailed further below).
We also give unofficial information on how to prevent any such in-flight illnesses along with available cures or remedies that can help.
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In-flight Health Risks ... |
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| Here we list some of the most common Stansted Airport health risks when flying: |
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DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis ... |
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| What is DVT? |
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DVT is where a blood clot within one of the deep veins of the calf, thigh or pelvis develops. This is normally as the blood flow has, due to dehydration becomes sluggish. Or that the body has recently been exposed to trauma like childbirth, abdominal surgery or heart disease.
Air travellers can be susceptible to DVT as they are confind to small, cramped spaces for long periods of time. |
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| Persons at risk from DVT? |
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- A past or family history DVT.
- Passengers over 40 are at greater risk.
- Recent abdominal or leg surgery, or injury to the knees or hips.
- Pregnancy or recently 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 water to keep hydrated - avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Exercise and stretch the muscles of your lower legs while sitting and rotate your feet regularly.
- Leave the seat in front of you free of goods 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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| The symptoms of DVT? |
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DVT can be uncomfortable but the biggest problem associated with 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.
In some cases there are no symptoms and this is what makes DVT dangerous, but many people may suffer some of the following symptoms: |
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- Soreness and/or aching in the calf
- Swelling in the ankles or calf
- 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 a Doctor straight away if you suspect you are suffering from DVT. Don't be too alarmed in the first instance as treatment is relatively simple in most cases.
If you are abroad at the time you can contact your airline unofficial information or holiday rep. |
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Sickness - Cabin pressure... |
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The pressure in the cabin when flying at altitude is kept at a much lower pressure than what we're use to at ground level.
It's this low pressure - as less oxygen is circulating in the air, and it's much dryer - in the cabin that can cause the following symptoms: |
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- Ears hurting during take-off or landing - try chewing gum, swallowing by drinking or sucking sweets
- Any one with breathing or heart problems must remember to pack their medication in their hand luggage
- Alcohol has 2 to 3 times stronger than at sea level
- Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water, plus avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks.
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Sickness - Motion sickness... |
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| The most common in-flight illness is motion sickness mainly when turbulence is experienced on a fight. Try the following to help if you are prone to suffering: |
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- Book a window seat
- Or book a seat over the wings
- Stay off alcoholic drinks for 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 ... |
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| For anyone suffering from any medical conditions must make sure their medication is taken before the flight and packed in the hand luggage and not in their main luggage stored in the aircraft hold. |
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- Medicines must be packed in your hand luggage - plus extras in case of any delays
- Diabetic or epilepsy passengers should carry their notification and identification cards with all contact unofficial information properly filled in
- Advise 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 is normally just the effects of fatigue because the body's internal clock is out of sync with the time zone of the Country being travelled to.
Mostly the effects of jet lag clear up in a day or two.
However you can help the lessen the effects by: |
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- Try and alter sleep and meals inline with the Country's time you are travelling to
- Reset any watches and clocks to the destination time once on the plane
- Eat light meals and drink lots of water
- Caffeinated drinks can help mask fatigue after your flight
- Try some of the herbal sleeping pills or speak to your Doctor if your symptoms are very bad
- The odd nap during the day can sometimes help but do limit them to about half an hour
- Try the herb Ginseng, used for centuries to fight fatigue
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