MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – There is nothing more that will ruin a vacation then getting sick, especially when the illness is serious.
Whether you are traveling by plane or on the highway, you may be at risk of getting a blood clot, according to medical experts.
Director of UAB Vein Clinic Dr. Marc Passman says your chances can increase if you are traveling for more than 4 hours.
“When clots develop in someone’s leg, it can cause swelling and leg pain, but the clot can travel to the lung,” said Passman.
According to UAB, 100,000 people die from blood clots every year, but the first thing you can do is see if you are at risk and prepare to prevent it.
“People are at risk in general who have had a personal history of clots in the past, or family history may have some factors,” said Passman.
Certain medications, age and pregnancy may also put someone at risk.
But there are ways to prevent a clot.
Whether you’re in the car or on a plane, stop and stretch every three hours.
Stops at a rest stop or walk up the plane isles to get your legs moving.
Stay hydrated and consider blood circulation socks even though its hot.
As always, talk with your doctor if it’s safe for you to travel, and if there any extra precautions you can take.
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