Blood clots can be dangerous and need to be treated early as a new study has revealed that the risk of the condition increases after catching Covid-19.
The new research, as reported by the Daily Record, suggests that the risk of blood clots - known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when found in the leg - was “significantly increased” for three months after contracting Covid-19.
Published in the British Medical Journal, it also added that the additional risk of a pulmonary embolism - a blocked blood vessel in the lungs - increased for six months after the infection.
Blood clots are often found in the leg but can occur in other parts of the body too, including the lungs.
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The NHS state that blood clots can be life threatening and need to be treated early and urges anyone who thinks they might have one to call 111.
Symptoms and signs of blood clots
According to the NHS, symptoms of a blood clot include;
- Throbbing or cramping pain, swelling, redness and warmth in a leg or arm.
- Sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain (may be worse when you breathe in) and a cough or coughing up blood.
The NHS also add that you can be at higher risk of developing blood clots if you;
- Are staying in or recently left hospital – especially if you cannot move around much (like after an operation).
- Are overweight.
- Smoke.
- Are using combined hormonal contraception such as the combined pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring.
- Have had a blood clot before.
- Are pregnant or have just had a baby.
- Have an inflammatory condition such as Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
How to avoid blood clots
According to NHS, there are things you can do to help avoid developing the condition.
These are;
Stay active – taking regular walks can help.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration – you're more likely to get a clot if you're dehydrated.
Try to lose weight if you're overweight.
Wear flight stockings or flight socks to improve your blood flow on long flights – a pharmacist can advise you about this.
