Nobody likes being sick and more so if you are pregnant! In pregnancy, anything that happens to the mother may affect her unborn child as well. This concern makes any illness in pregnancy, a matter of concern to the would-be mother. Here we shall guide you how to deal effectively with flu during pregnanc
Your immune system suppresses during pregnancy to support your unborn child, and this makes you more prone to illnesses like cold, flu and other such ailments. Flu or Influenza is not just cough or common cold rather it is a more serious ailment. You may not only have a running and stuffy nose along with a sore throat, but you may feel very sick. Flu during pregnancy may cause some serious complications.
Flu is a communicable disease, and therefore it spreads from one person to another. You may catch this infection if an infected person sneezes, coughs or even speaks to you. The flu virus travels through the air which makes it easier for it to travel from one person to another. You may also catch this virus by touching things that are commonly touched by everyone such as, phone, door handles, chair armrests etc. that have flu virus on them. Therefore, if you come in contact with an infected person you can easily get infected with flu.
If you have flu during pregnancy, then you notice the following symptoms:
Usually, the symptoms of flu may last for up to two weeks, but in some cases, they may last longer than usual.
Flu may affect you and your baby if you catch his infection in pregnancy. However, not all moms-to-be will have complications or will be adversely affected by this viral infection. Some of the risks for the mother and her unborn baby may include the following:
Due to a weaker immune system in pregnancy, you are more prone to falling ill. Flu in pregnancy may lead to pneumonia and may also cause infection in your lungs and heart.
If you have flu in pregnancy, it will not only affect your health but may lead to health complications for your unborn child also. If you have a high fever in the first trimester, it may cause developmental issues in your baby. Influenza in pregnancy may lead to preterm labor and in some cases miscarriage also.
As soon as you register symptoms of flu, it is advisable to seek medical help. Your doctor may prescribe you medicines based on your symptoms. It is best to take timely medicines to avoid complications that may result from flu. You may increase your fluid intake and take adequate rest to help your body heal faster. Eat small and frequent meals to provide energy to the body.
Some of the suggested course of treatment may include, either of the following:
Paracetamol is an extremely safe medicine and may be prescribed by your doctor for bringing down fever and provide relief from pains and aches.
Ibuprofen should not be taken during pregnancy and may lead to complications. It is best to avoid this medicine in pregnancy.
Your doctor may put you on a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating secondary infections, which may develop due to flu.
You may opt for homeopathic medicines for the treatment of flu; however, no scientific proof shows the efficacy of homeopathic medicines in treating flu.
It is recommended to take any medication after consulting your doctor. Self-medication or taking medicines without any prescription from your doctor may lead to complications.
A flu vaccine is safe in pregnancy, and there is no scientific evidence that proves otherwise. The flu vaccine during pregnancy not only protects you from getting into serious complication during your pregnancy but it also protects your baby against flu, for a few months after birth.
Though the medicines will take its due course of time to treat you, you may follow the following tips that will help you feel better:
Although there are no sure shot ways of avoiding the infection, your chances of catching the infection may reduce considerably by adopting the following flu remedies while pregnant:
If you have flu, you can easily spread this virus to the people around you. Here are some of the measures that you may take to stop it from spreading:
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor right away:
Any of the above symptoms can lead to severe complications for you and your baby. Therefore it is suggested to get in touch with your health care practitioner as soon as you register any of the above symptoms.
If you think that you have flu-like symptoms, acting promptly will surely help. You may talk to your doctor and explain your symptoms. Quick and timely treatment of flu in pregnancy can ward off serious complications.