Q) I’ve been signed off work with anxiety. I felt great for the first two weeks, but I’m now wondering if being off is helping me, or making things worse.

Cassie, 40

Dr Zak: Initially it may be appropriate to have a few weeks of sick leave, particularly if your job is strongly linked to or causing your mood problem.

However, the longer you spend off work, the greater time you have to ruminate on things.

Work also provides something of a routine, a structure, and colleagues to interact with. It may help to discuss your situation with an occupational health department, particularly if certain aspects of your work are causing anxiety.

If you cannot face going back to your job, it may help to address this sooner than after a period of absence.

Q) Should I take an aspirin? I’m going on a long haul flight in a few weeks.

Cyril, 74

Dr Zak: It sounds like you are concerned about getting a DVT, commonly known as a clot in the leg.

As you point out, any period of immobility, such as a long haul flight, may put you at higher risk of deep vein thrombosis.

However, while aspirin is used to reduce the chances of a clot in your arteries, it will not prevent one in your veins.

Practical ways of reducing your likelihood of a clot are making sure you drink enough water on the flight, reducing/avoiding caffeine and alcohol as these cause dehydration, and flexing your ankles at regular intervals which will encourage your calves to pump blood back up to your heart.

Wherever possible try to get up and walk around, though this is may more difficult while in flight.

Signs of a clot are a swollen painful calf, and if it has gone to your lungs; chest pain or coughing up blood.

Please seek immediate medical advice for any of these.

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  • Dr Uddin’s advice is provided in good faith and in accordance with currently accepted evidence. However, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek advice of a GP, or other qualified health provider, regarding a medical condition.