Blood clot risks for travelers : Kathika Travel Website

Everybody knows these days that when you fly, you increase the risk of getting a thrombosis, or blood clot in your veins. The combination of inactivity and being dehydrated mean that the risk of getting a DVT–deep vein thrombosis, usually in the leg– increase if you fly.

Researchers in the Netherlands have released more detailed information on the risks to travelers. They say that the risk increases if you fly more regularly within a short period of time, especially if you take a lot of long-haul flights. You are also at a greater risk of developing a DVT if you are under thirty years old, if you are particularly short, tall or overweight, or if you are a woman taking contraceptive pills.

If you’re a statistics lover, the Dutch research team calculated what they consider to be the probability of getting a blood clot when you fly: They say it is in a one in 4,656 chance.

So if you want to improve your chances of coming away healthy, do those exercises that the inflight entertainment system suggests, drink plenty of water but not much alcohol, and get out of your seat when you can. If you’re medically at a higher risk of thrombosis, your doctor can advise you on medications.