Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — blood clots in your legs from sitting too long — is a real risk on flights over 4 hours. The good news: it's almost entirely preventable.
Who's at Risk?
- ⚠️ Flights longer than 4 hours
- ⚠️ Age 40+, smokers, pregnant women
- ⚠️ Recent surgery or history of blood clots
- ⚠️ Oral contraceptive pill users
5 Prevention Steps
- 🚶 Walk every 2 hours: Get up, walk the aisle, stretch
- 🦶 Ankle exercises: Circle your feet, pump toes up and down — do seated every 30 min
- 💧 Stay hydrated: Drink water, avoid alcohol (dehydrating)
- 🧦 Compression socks: Rs. 500-1,000 on Amazon — proven to reduce DVT risk
- 💺 Aisle seat: Makes it easier to get up without disturbing neighbors
Warning Signs
- 🩺 Swollen, painful calf (usually one leg only)
- 🩺 Warm, red skin on the affected leg
- 🩺 Seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear after a long flight