Flights over 4 hours raise the risk of clots in the legs, especially after 60. Simple habits in the seat, and medicines in the right bag
The Pushpa team · 3 sourcesA trip to see the grandchildren in New Jersey or London can mean 16 hours in a seat. The NHS says deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a leg, is more likely in people over 60, on journeys of more than 4 hours, and when dehydrated. The US CDC adds that about half of people with a DVT have no symptoms
After the flight, a throbbing pain or swelling in one leg, usually the calf or thigh, needs a doctor. If it comes with chest pain or breathlessness, get emergency help
The UK's travel health network advises travel health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, and declaring every medical condition when buying it.
How Pushpa helpsPushpa keeps her medicine list with generic names on the family's phones, so the doctor's letter is easy to write, and the list travels with her
General information, not medical advice. In an emergency in India, call 112
Report sent to the family
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