Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) on Long Flights & Road Trips: Risks, Symptoms & Prevention for Adults Over 55
If you’re planning a 6+ hour journey, this is the one health guide you shouldn’t skip Sitting still for hours whether you’re on a Lagos to London flight, an Abuja to Accra road trip, or a cross-country bus ride might seem harmless. But for adults over 55, prolonged immobility can silently increase your risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening blood clot condition. As a medical expert, I’m seeing more cases of travel-related DVT in patients who thought they were “too healthy” for it to happen. The good news? It’s largely preventable if you know what to do before, during, and after your journey. What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)? DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. When you sit for long periods, blood flow in your legs slows down. If blood pools and clots, it can partially or completely block the vein. The real danger comes if that clot breaks off and travels to your lungs a condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). PE can ...