How can you stay healthy on a long flight?

Long-haul flights increase the risk of dehydration, jet lag, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this episode, we explain practical health strategies for air travel and how travel risk is assessed in Europe.

In this episode, we cover:

• The effects of cabin pressure and low humidity

• Preventing dehydration during flights

• Reducing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk with movement and compression

• When compression stockings are recommended

• Managing jet lag and sleep timing

• Safe use of medications during long-haul travel

• Avoiding alcohol excess at altitude

• When fit-to-fly clearance may be required

• Red flag symptoms: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, leg swelling

Doctors assess cardiovascular risk, clot history, pregnancy status, recent surgery, oxygen needs, and medication use before advising travel precautions. High-risk individuals may require in-person evaluation before flying. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or one-sided leg swelling after travel requires urgent medical assessment.

This episode reflects how travel-related health risks are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.

Read the full medical guide here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/how-to-stay-healthy-on-a-long-flight