Those at risk from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and who are concerned about the
effects of air travel should be referred to their general practitioner, according
to advice from a travel health expert.
Concerns over these risks have been raised in the media this week and the use
of aspirin as a preventative measure has been suggested.
Dr Larry Goodyer (director of pharmacy practice research, King’s College,
London, and superintendent, Nomad Travel Pharmacy) told The Journal on October
25 that, as far as he was aware, no studies had been conducted to examine the
effects of aspirin in this situation.
Some experts had advised that using aspirin for a couple of days beforehand
might, theoretically, be beneficial but the two key words to emphasise to people
taking a flight were movement and hydration.
He said that people should be advised to move around and to keep well hydrated,
which included avoiding alcohol. People in specific risk categories might also
wish to consider using compression hosiery, he added.
Dr Goodyer pointed out that pharmacists should be aware that aspirin is not
licensed for the prevention of DVT and so it should not be supplied over the
counter for this purpose.