Audio By Carbonatix
Will you be going on a long-haul flight or road trip soon? One New Jersey nurse has a few tips to protect your health while traveling after she noticed several patients who recently took a vacation having the same issue.
“Listen closely, this could save your life,” Lydia (@justagirlinscrubs37) begins in her viral TikTok. She then prefaces that she is not giving medical advice, just friendly advice.
“I have been seeing quite a few patients, different age ranges, with blood clots,” she says. “What do they all have in common? They just came back from a trip where they were flying on an airplane.”
What Can You Do To Prevent Blood Clots While Traveling?
Lydia says she’s not telling viewers what to do, only what she would do if she were flying for more than two hours. She says she would take 81 milligrams of aspirin (a baby aspirin dose), wear compression socks, and get up to walk around every so often.
“I want to make sure that I’m keeping my blood flowing and not stagnant,” she says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agrees with Lydia’s advice to not remain still. It advises, “Move your legs frequently when on long trips and exercise your calf muscles to improve the flow of blood. If you’ve been sitting for a long time, take a break to stretch your legs. Extend your legs straight out and flex your ankles (pulling your toes toward you). Some airlines suggest pulling each knee up toward the chest and holding it there with your hands on your lower leg for 15 seconds and repeating up to 10 times. These types of activities help to improve the flow of blood in your legs.”
How Can I Tell If I Have A Blood Clot?
In a follow-up video, Lydia explains what symptoms you may be experiencing if you have a blood clot, how to check for signs, and what test you should ask the doctor for (though they’ll likely already know). She also addresses commenters who said they couldn’t take aspirin because they have ulcers, and that’s a contraindication. She says if you have ulcers or any other contraindication, you can skip the pill but should still remain hydrated while traveling, wear compression socks, and try to walk around to stretch your legs.
“The main thing is just getting that blood flowing,” she says.
The CDC notes the symptoms of two types of blood clots she describes: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
The symptoms of DVT are:
- Swelling of your arm or leg
- Unexplained pain or tenderness
- Skin that is warm to the touch
- Skin redness or discoloration
The symptoms of PE are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular or faster than normal heartbeat
- Chest pain or discomfort, which typically increases with a deep breath or coughing
- Anxiety
- Coughing or coughing up blood
- Fainting or lightheadedness
The CDC recommends you seek medical help immediately if you have any of the symptoms.
Fortunately, while the CDC notes that anyone traveling more than four hours by plane, car, bus, or train is at risk of developing a blood clot, it also notes that the risk is small. People who get travel-related blood clots typically have one or more other blood clot risks, including but not limited to:
- Older age (risk increases after 40)
- Overweight or obesity
- A previous blood clot
- Family history of blood clots
@justagirlinscrubs37 ✈️ Flying soon? Let’s talk about something that’s not on the packing list—but should be. Long flights can increase your risk of blood clots, even in young, healthy people. 🧠💥 Full disclosure: this isn’t medical advice—just friendly info based on what I’ve been seeing lately. More and more young adults are showing up with blood clots, and it’s scary. I can’t tell you what to take, but if I were traveling, here’s what I would do: 💊 Take 81mg aspirin (with your doctor’s okay) 🧦 Wear compression socks 🚶🏽♀️ Get up often—stretch, walk to the bathroom 💧 Stay hydrated & keep that circulation going Blood clots can start anywhere, but the real danger is when they move—especially to the lungs or brain. Serious stuff. Just a few simple steps can lower your risk. Knowledge is power. Share this with someone who has a trip coming up. Let’s all travel smarter. 🌍 #NurseTok #EDnurse #BloodClotAwareness #CompressionSocks #nursesoftiktok
Compression Sock Selection
In another follow-up video, Lydia shares a PSA about compression socks: They shouldn’t hurt. She says they should feel like a “tight hug.” They might be slightly uncomfortable at first because you’re not used to them, and they may leave indentations on your legs. But this is normal. However, if you’re experiencing pain, you got the wrong size.
Responding to comments that questioned what brand they should use, she says she’s only ever used Figs but is interested in trying a brand called Bombas.
Both brands made it to Forbes’ list of the best compression socks, rated by the gear editor and vascular experts. Bombas were the best overall, while Figs were the best for nurses. Forbes rated Trtl compression socks as the best for travel.
Forbes notes, “Trtl’s Compression Socks are an excellent choice for travel, offering moderate 15 to 21mmHg compression that promotes circulation during long flights or extended periods of sitting. Made with a blend of Coolmax fabric and Lycra, these socks help prevent overheating and manage moisture while delivering a comfortable stretch that doesn’t feel restrictive. They’re available in multiple sizes and come in a variety of fun prints that add some personality to your travel attire.”
However, it adds that the brand does not offer solid colors, which may be a drawback if you’re traveling for work or just prefer a more muted palette.
UPDATE: In an email, Lydia told BroBible, “I’ve been wearing Figs for a while but I love what the company bombas stands for which is why I want to try their product. I ordered a pair and I’m waiting for them to come in the mail.”