Travellers warned of long-haul risks

LONG-HAUL travellers who take oral contraceptives or have a genetic mutation common in northern Europe are at increased risk of potentially fatal blood clots, the World Health Organisation said in Geneva yesterday.

The UN health body issued a 24-page report warning that, while the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), normally in the form of a blood clot in the calves of the leg, is small, it increases if people stay immobile for long periods in cramped conditions, or are predisposed to the condition for genetic or lifestyle reasons.

The recommendations, based on research carried out by scientists in Britain, Switzerland and the Netherlands, include taking a short walk or doing simple exercises every hour.