Many dream destinations can only be reached by plane. But how great are the health risks of flying and how can one prepare sensibly for a flight? Every year, more than 145 million people take off and land at German airports, and this year it will hardly be less. However, air travelers are repeatedly startled by reports of thromboses, infections and heart attacks during their stay in the skies. It’s clear that something like this causes uncertainty. But what is actually true?
Thrombosis risk on the plane
It is certain that the longer, largely motionless stay in the confines of an airplane seat increases the risk of thrombosis. In a study by the University Clinic of Dresden, a clot was discovered in the calves of just under 3 percent of 964 long-haul fliers examined; according to an Australian survey, thrombosis occurs on about 40,000 long-haul flights – but only one in two million flights results in a patient dying.
By comparison, the risk of accidental death while driving is about one hundred times higher. An effective way to prevent thrombosis is to do exercises in your seat: bend and stretch your ankles and toes every now and then, holding the tension in your muscles for a few seconds. Occasional standing up and walking around, as well as drinking plenty of caffeine– and alcohol-free beverages, also have a supportive effect.
People at particular risk, such as seniors, smokers, pregnant women and the very overweight, should wear compression stockings. In addition, heparin may be used to thin the blood in individual cases.
Strained immune system
In general, long-haul flights of more than six hours weaken the immune system, according to a study by the University of Mainz. It becomes particularly critical 12 to 24 hours after landing. It is therefore recommended to be especially careful on the first day after the trip and to avoid large crowds and risky food offered under unhygienic conditions. In addition, a few days before the start of the trip, you can start “upgrading” the immune system through medicinal plants such as echinacea and Capeland geranium or combination preparations of vitamin C and zinc.
Travel sickness
The infamous travel sickness is triggered by the overworked brain, which is fooled into thinking it is calm by the eyes from inside the airplane cabin, while the inner ear, with its organ of balance, signals changes in acceleration and position. This triggers the release of stress hormones that lead to the familiar symptoms of headache, dizziness and nausea. Staying close to the wings, where there is the least turbulence, can help.
Also useful: avoiding nicotine, alcohol and high-fat foods. Flight physicians also recommend relaxation techniques such as autogenic training. Other alternatives are special antihistamines and ginger preparations from the pharmacy.
Jet lag
In order to avoid the so-called jet lag, one should try to adapt somewhat to the day-night rhythm of the vacation country in advance before longer trips. In addition, on site first thing in the morning to get up. Light is an important clock generator and has an influence on the rhythm-determining melatonin metabolism. Studies have also shown that vitamin B 12 can help to better cope with this biorhythmic stress.
