Travel Advice

The chance of deep vein thrombosis occurring while travelling by air is extremely low. That said, there are a number of precautions you can take to further reduce the risk.

Deep vein thrombosis can occur as a result of prolonged immobility during travel. This occurs when a blood clot forms, usually in the lower leg. This is a serious medical condition and needs treatment with blood thinning drugs or anticoagulants to prevent clots breaking off and travelling to the lungs causing significant illness and, on very rare occasions, death.

Certain people are more at risk than other such as those with a history of thrombosis, those taking an oral contraceptive pill or who are pregnant, those recently hospitalised, smokers, the obese, some patients with congestive heart failure and people with malignant disease. Dehydration may exacerbate the problem.

To reduce the risk, periodic exercising of the feet and legs, or walking around where feasible, is advised. Elastic stockings may be helpful. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to prevent dehydration. Those who are believed to be particularly prone are advised to obtain medical advice before embarking on their journey.

As at home, there is always a risk of becoming a victim of crime wherever you travel in the world. Take sensible precautions, especially when walking around at night and try to avoid carrying valuables.

One of the major appeals of travel is experiencing a different culture/way of life, however this can expose you to different hygiene and safety standards than you are used to.

To visit some countries you may need certain inoculations. Please consult your doctor before travel.

It’s always advisable to check the weather forecast in your destination country/region in advance of travel. Certain regions are prone to adverse weather conditions at different times of the year for example, the hurricane season runs from 1 June to the 30 November every year and may affect American States (particularly Florida) and the Caribbean.