Flu season is here again. If you are pregnant, there is still a chance you may get the flu. For some women, pregnancy lowers resistance to illness, including the flu. For this reason, pregnant women may be at higher risk for developing the flu when exposed to the virus.
The symptoms of flu are: fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, cough and stuffy nose. You may not have all of these symptoms and still have the flu. If you are running a fever, it’s important to treat it right away. Your baby can get overheated when you are running a fever. This can be very dangerous.
Ask your doctor before taking any medications. Some are safe and some are not safe to use during pregnancy. In general, Tylenol is considered safe for pregnant women. Other medications, such as Ibuprofen are not safe during pregnancy.
If you are running a high fever or are unable to keep anything down, call your doctor right away. High fevers and dehydration are very dangerous for your baby. If your symptoms are getting worse or not improving, call your doctor. Pregnant women may be at greater risk for some complications, such as pneumonia. The faster you are seen and treated, the less risk to you and your baby.
There are some things you can do to feel better. Sleep with your head elevated if congestion is a problem. Some women find that sleeping with a humidifier can help relieve the symptoms and promote rest. Getting enough rest is important to feel better.
You may not feel like eating when you have the flu. It’s important to stay hydrated. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration. Juices, tea and other fluids are fine too. You may be able to tolerate a liquid diet. Try eating popsicles, Jello or chicken broth in place of meals if you can’t eat. Gradually add other foods as you are able to tolerate them.
The best way to deal with the flu season is prevention. Avoid people who are sick and stay away from large crowds during the flu season. Frequent hand washing can help prevent the spread of germs. Some doctors recommend a flu shot for their pregnant patients. Ask your doctor if a flu shot is recommended in your case.
Related Articles: