New
travel health advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that flying long-haul can double the risk of developing blood clots, and potentially fatal deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Following five separate studies conducted worldwide as part of the WHO's Research Into Global Hazards of Travel project, the organisation stated: "The risk of developing venous thromboembolism approximately doubles after travel lasting four hours or more."
Long periods of immobility, such as during long-haul flights, can lead to the formation of blood clots in the legs. If these migrate to the lungs, heart or brain, the results can be fatal.
"There is a clear need for travellers to be given appropriate information regarding the risks and for further studies to identify preventive measures," the WHO warned.
The studies found that the risks of remaining immobile are low for periods of up to four hours (one in 6,000).
Certain groups, however, are particularly at risk, including very tall or very short people, obese people, women taking oral contraception, and people with blood disorders.
Frequent long-haul travellers have also been identified as a group with a higher risk level.
The WHO's travel health advice reaches only to issuing a warning and calling for more research. It has not made recommendations about specific preventative measures.
Treatment news : 29/06/2007
