Medical Health Encyclopedia

Issues Involving Air Travel

Effects on Circulation. Traveling by car, airplane, or train for more than four hours increases the risk for blood clots in the legs (venous thrombosis) in anyone. In fact, studies now suggest that the it is the cause of more deaths than previously believed, because symptoms typically occur days after travel. In order to keep circulation moving during international flights or on trains, travelers should drink plenty of fluids, avoid salt, wear slippers, take frequent walks in the aisles, and lift their legs up and down several times an hour. Two 2003 studies suggested that special socks that compress the ankles (such as Kendall Travel Socks, Sigvaris Traveno) may significantly prevent swelling and so possibly blood clots due to long flights even in travelers at medium to low risk.

Respiratory Infections. Flight cabins have very low humidity, which not only increases the risk for dehydration and dry eyes, but it also increases the risk for triggering disease in the airways. Fliers with colds or allergies are especially susceptible. The first rule is to drink plenty of liquids. Taking a decongestant tablet or nasal spray (not one containing an antihistamine) 30 minutes before flight can help prevent sinus and ear infections.

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Of greater concern are studies suggesting that the prolonged time (8 hours or more) spent in the confined space of an airplane plus the close proximity to co-passengers from the entire world may facilitate the spread of serious contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis and SARS. The CDC and World Health Organization now have guidelines on when and how to determine the need for preventive treatments after possible exposure to infectious organisms. (Recirculated air, which is now common in new aircraft, does not increase the risk for respiratory infections.)