HEALTH spoTLigHT
away...
photos (posed by models): GettyUp, up and
Flying abroad this summer?
Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones tells
you how you can stay healthy
F
lying can stress our
minds and bodies, but
with a little preparation
we can feel fit on arrival.
However, if you have a
pre-existing medical
condition, check with your
GP whether you’re well
enough to fly, or should
take special precautions.Dehydration
High altitude can dehydrate
skin and make lips dry, and
some medicines (eg, diuretics)
increase the risk of severe
dehydration. Use moisturiser
and lip balm regularly, and
drink enough water to keep
your urine a pale straw colour.
Remember that alcohol and
make any dehydration worse.1Check immunisation and^
country-specific health^
advice well in advance at^
fitfortravel.nhs.uk.2Take out medical insurance^
that covers pre-existing^
medical conditions and^
planned activities. Take your^
European Health Insurance^
Card (EHIC) in Europe, and
read our advice on p44 about^
buying travel insurance.3Carry essential medicines^
in their original boxes
in your hand luggage. You^
may need a doctor’s letter- for example, if you’re^
taking needles.
4Ask advice about changing^
time zones if intervals^
between medication are time-
critical – for example, insulin.5Tell the airline/your travel^
agent if you have an
airborne allergy, such as nuts.6Find out where and how to^
get 24-hour medical help at^
your destination– just in case.Tummy trouble
Gas expands at high
altitude so you may notice
temporary indigestion or
bloating. Avoid chewing
gum and fizzy drinks,
and carry antacid tablets for
acid reflux (heartburn) and
diarrhoea tablets (from the
pharmacy) in case you pick
up a tummy upset.Swollen ankles
These often arise from a
combination of heat, reduced
air pressure, and sitting still
for too long (especially
after alcohol or sedatives).
Varicose veins and some
prescribed medicines, such
as amlodipine, can encouragethem, too. Wear shoes that
allow for expansion (and carry
blister plasters!), stretch and
move frequently, and soak
feet in cool water after arrival.Blood clots
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is
more common after long-haul
or several shorter flights. Blood
flow slows in pelvis and leg
veins, and a clot may cause
leg pain and swelling, or
travel to the lungs, triggering
potentially fatal pulmonary
embolism with breathlessness
and/or chest pain, during or
after your flight. The risk goes
up if you’ve previously had
a DVT/PE or blood-clotting
disorder, a recent operation
or severe injury, or if you’re
obese, pregnant or post-natal,
take the oral contraceptive pill
or HRT, or have varicose
veins, cancer, heart and lung
disease or poor mobility.
You’ll need blood-thinning
(anticoagulant) injections/
tablets if you’re at high
risk. Keep blood flowing
with leg stretches during
and between flights,
frequently getting up
and moving around, and
avoiding dehydration. Flightsocks can help, but must fit
and be worn properly.Infections
Catarrh or pressure changes
can trigger earache. Try a
decongestant and blowing
your nose with mouth closed
to help your ears ‘pop’. A nasal
gel (from your pharmacy)
helps prevent drying and may
block germs in circulating
cabin air. Carry hand-sanitising
gel, too, to protect against
germs on shared surfaces.anxiety and jet lag
Sedatives (including alcohol)
can increase DVT risks and
affect driving later. A fear of
flying course (see nhs.uk) may
help. Jet lag and changing
time zones disrupt our body
clock and can cause sleep
disturbance, fatigue, nausea,
constipation or affect
concentration. Frequent
short naps, and resting before
and after (or breaking) your
journey may help. Go to
bed at the new ‘right’ time
and don’t do too much on
your first day. Some people
recommend melatonin, but
it’s not licensed for jet lag and
may affect other medicines.6 ways to arrive safely