• To avoid the multiple discomforts that accompany phlebitis, as well as its potentially fatal complications.
• Measures that prevent deep phlebitis, especially in the event of surgery or prolonged hospitalization, are effective in more than 90% of cases, when they are well chosen in collaboration with a doctor.².
• To prevent recurrence: if not adequately prevented, deep phlebitis reappears within 5 years of first attack, in approximately 1 in 3 people³.

• In the event of venous insufficiency or varicose veins, measures can be taken to prevent the situation from worsening and causing a risk of phlebitis.
• Avoid staying in position immobile many hours. For air travel, see tips below. In general, it is important to practice regular physical activity, and to walk at least 30 minutes a day to stay healthy and maintain good blood circulation.
• Hydrate well. Nutritionists recommend drinking an average of 1,5 to 2 liters of water or drink (juice, broths, tea, coffee, etc.) each day, unless otherwise advised by a doctor. This recommendation serves as a benchmark, but is not based on precise scientific data.
• Do not wear clothing that obstruct circulation, such as tight socks at the ankles or knees or pants tight at the waist.
• To prevent phlebitis, doctors encourage bedridden patients, those who have recently had an operation as well as women who have just given birth to get up and walk as soon as possible. Doctor’s approval is required.
• In people at low risk of developing deep phlebitis, the use of compression stockings during risky situations is sufficient as a preventive measure. Ideally, you should get new stockings every 3 months since they lose their elasticity over time.
• In people at high risk of deep phlebitis, the doctor sometimes prescribes a anticoagulant medication (heparin or warfarin). This medicine can be given as a preventive measure during hospitalization or surgery, for example.

Here are some tips that can help improve comfort and prevent phlebitis during airplane flights lasting 6 hours or more.

• Get up on occasion to stretch and walk a bit. In a seated position, practice about fifteen movements of flexion and extension of the ankles every hour. This exercise will help stimulate the return of blood to the heart;
• Avoid keeping your legs crossed for too long and make sure that the edge of the seat does not compress the blood vessels in the thighs;
• Wear some loose clothing that do not squeeze the legs and waist too tightly so as not to interfere with blood circulation;
• Make sure hydrate by drinking water before, during and immediately after the flight;
• Avoid drinking alcohol, which dehydrates;
• During the flight, avoid taking sleeping pills, which have the effect of slowing down movements and contributing to blood stagnation;
• Avoid sleeping for long periods of time (the risk of phlebitis is higher after 2 hours of sleep). To sleep, raise the legs if the available space allows it;
• People at risk of phlebitis should discuss with their doctor before departure the possibility of wearing compression stockings or take anticoagulant medication.