The rare cases of thrombosis occurring after vaccination against Covid-19 differ from those observed during long-distance flights, explain the scientists. – ALLILIMAGES / SIPA
- Internet users claim that airlines want to prohibit access to people vaccinated on their flights because of the risk of thrombosis.
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) explains that it is not aware of such a project.
- A spokesperson recalls that the thromboses that can occur during a long-distance trip are different from those that were detected after the vaccination against Covid-19.
Deprived of air travel because of the Covid-19 vaccine? This is the rumor circulating on social networks. Vaccinated people could no longer fly due to the risk of side effects, especially thrombosis. This rumor does not specify which airlines would consider such a measure.
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Joined by 20 minutes, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) explains that it is not aware of a project to ban vaccinated people from the airlines. The association is not against vaccination, but
expressed repeatedly his wish to see the introduction of digital documents for travel. The IATA thus intends to facilitate the verification of the passenger’s status (vaccinated, in possession of a PCR test, etc.) which must comply with the requests of the States.
A spokesperson recalls that the thromboses that can occur during a long-distance trip are different from those that were detected after the vaccination against Covid-19.
Cases of atypical thrombosis could be linked to an “immune reaction of the body”
The cases of so-called “atypical” thrombosis detected after vaccination could be linked to an “immune reaction of the body” which results in “a decrease in the number of blood platelets in the body”, noted Inserm on April 26. This decrease “is due to their aggregation between them to form blood clots then causing thrombosis”, adds the scientific institution.
These rare cases “mainly concern the brain and veins in the belly”, relief with RTL Info Cédric Hermans, professor at the University of Louvain (Belgium). Thrombosis linked to air travel concerns “especially the legs”, he adds.
Risk factors for thrombosis linked to immobility
In addition, “no case” of atypical thrombosis due to a theft has been “described”, reminds AFP Marie-Antoinette Sevestre-Pietri, president of the French Society of Vascular Medicine.
On May 20, the ANSM counted 44 cases of atypical thrombosis, including eleven deaths, out of more than 4.5 million injections with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The risk of developing “phlebitis” or “venous thrombosis of the lower limbs” during a long-haul flight is “extremely rare”, specifies Cédric Hermans. Old age, obesity, varicose veins, a history of pulmonary embolism or venous thrombosis are risk factors, according to Health Insurance.
To guard against it, the latter recommended wear loose clothing during long-haul flights, compression stockings, move your feet regularly, walk, stay hydrated and not take sleeping pills.