Should you take an aspirin before a long haul flight?

Should you take an aspirin before a long haul flight? Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.

How long does an aspirin thin your blood?

The plasma half-life of aspirin is only 20 minutes; however, because platelets cannot generate new COX, the effects of aspirin last for the duration of the life of the platelet (˜10 days). After a single dose of aspirin, platelet COX activity recovers by ˜10% per day as a function of platelet turnover.

Does aspirin help prevent DVT from long flights?

Your GP will not be able to advise on the use of anticoagulants for flying as it is a specialist issue, so allow plenty of time to get an opinion from your specialist. Note: aspirin is not used to prevent DVT.

Why not take aspirin when flying?

Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots. Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.

Should I wear compression socks on a long flight?

Research has shown that wearing compression socks during long-haul flights can significantly reduce the risk of developing blood clots and alleviate symptoms of leg fatigue and discomfort.

Are long haul flights at risk for blood clots?

The links between travel and blood clots: Traveling longer than 8 hours, whether by plane, car, bus, or train, can increase risks for life-threatening blood clot. The risk of a blood clot is about 3-times higher for people traveling on long-distance flights.

How do you prevent blood clots on a long haul flight?

How much aspirin should I take before a long flight?

Aspirin? Taking 75mg (a quarter of a normal 300mg tablet) some hours before your flight may reduce your chances of a DVT slightly (but remember that Aspirin can sometimes cause indigestion in people with a tendency to it, if in doubt ask your GP);

How often do people get blood clots on long flights?

Blood clots affect about 1-2 in 1,000 U.S. adults per year, and the risk may double or triple after a flight that's 4+ hours. One study estimates that 1 in 4,600 travelers will have a blood clot within 4 weeks of a long flight.

What medications should I take on a long flight?