Is Frequent Flying Bad for the Body?

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Isis Monteverde

Is Frequent Flying Bad for the Body?


Frequent flyers may have some concerns over the effects that flying has on the human body, especially as society has been led to believe that it can have a detrimental effect. However, it’s important to note that as pilots and cabin crew, many people are flying day in, day out without suffering ill effects. Taking the right approach to flying can help passengers to stay safe and healthy. There is a belief that it is common to catch illnesses while flying, but much as proximity to ill people in different locations can lead to infecting others, a plane journey is no exception. Contrary to popular belief, modern planes take a lot of fresh air, on board so the risks of catching illnesses from recirculating air is very low.

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What Are the Risks Associated with Flying?

The main issue that flyers should be

those who are pregnant, overweight or

aware of is deep vein thrombosis. How-

suffer from varicose veins.

ever, DVT is caused primarily by lack of

A lesser concern is dehydration, which can occur due to the dry air flowing through the cabin. This can result in headaches, dry eyes and dry mouth. Making sure to drink plenty of water and avoiding alcohol is sensible to limit its effects.

movement, which can occur anywhere. Passengers can avoid developing DVT by moving around and exercising the muscles. There are certain groups who are more at risk of DVT, so these people should be especially vigilant, including

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