CAN FLYING AFFECT MY HEALTH?

For most passengers, flying is a safe and convenient means of travel. An aircraft is pressurised at an equivalent altitude of 5,000-7,000 feet above sea level, which can result in physiological changes. Healthy passengers will not notice or be affected by these changes.

However, passengers with existing medical conditions may be more severely affected.

Being at altitude means lower cabin pressure, hence less oxygen is taken up by the blood. If you have a condition, such as heart or lung disease, or a blood disorder such as anaemia or sickle cell disease, you may not tolerate the reduced oxygen level without the need for additional oxygen therapy during the flight.

If you have any concerns and you think you may need oxygen please contact Special Assistance.

Because of the reduced cabin pressure, air expands by about 30%. This includes the air inside the body's cavities, which can cause problems for those who have had recent surgery, abdomen problems, blocked ears or sinuses.

If you have any concerns and you think you may need oxygen please contact Special Assistance.

Deep Vein Thrombosis ("DVT") is a serious condition where blood clots develop (most commonly) in the deep veins of the legs. The link between periods of immobility and Deep Vein Thrombosis formation, was medically documented in UK medical journals in the 1950s. Research has confirmed that anyone seated in an aircraft, car, bus or train for more than 4 hours may be at increased risk, but factors which increase the risk of DVT include:

• Over 40 years of age.
  
  
• Have been diagnosed with blood clots previously.
  
  
• Have a family history of blood clots.
  
  
• Have inherited a blood clotting risk.
  
  
• Have cancer and/or cancer treatment.
  
  
• Being treated for heart failure and/or for circulation problems.
  
  
• Recent surgery, especially on the hips, knees, abdomen, or an illness which has led to a period of immobility.
  
  
• Pregnancy or recently having had a baby.
  
  
• Taking the contraceptive pill and other oestrogen containing medicines.
  
  
• Are very tall, very short or obese.
  
  

Please refer to InFlight Health for more advice or contact Special Assistance.