In-flight health issues 'on rise'

"Growing numbers of older passengers and ever longer flights mean the likelihood of health problems in the skies is increasing, US researchers suggest. From blood clots to flu pandemics, both travellers and authorities should be aware of the risks - and seek to minimise them - a Lancet review urges. An ageing population means passengers are boarding planes with existing health problems, researchers warn. Extended flight times could also increase the risk to health, they say. The review of the many studies into the health risks of flying found an overall association between air travel and venous thromboembolism (VTE), which occurs when a blood clot in a leg vein travels through the body to the lung" - BBC