Pregnancy And The Flu

Pregnency

     Getting the flu is bad enough, but getting the flu while you are pregnant can be a nightmare. You are more likely to stay sick longer, there are only a few medications you can take to safely relieve the symptoms of the flu, and your risk of developing flu-related complications increases. This is why the best thing for pregnant women during the flu season is to take every precaution to avoid infection, including the flu.

     The flu, or flu, is a highly contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory system causing fever, muscle aches, coughs, sore throats, runny nose and weakness. The flu usually appears in winter and early spring, but it can also affect the autumn and late spring. Although the virus is bad for anyone to catch it, with pregnancy and the flu can be especially dangerous because a woman's immune system is weakened during pregnancy. As a result, pregnant women are more likely to have symptoms for a longer period of time, and their risk of complications, such as pneumonia, increases. Studies have shown, however, that pregnancy and the flu pose a small risk to the unborn child.

Pregnency and flu

     The best way for pregnant women to avoid the flu is to get a flu shot. Influenza guns are recommended for almost all pregnant women and are usually given in October or November just before the flu season begins. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the virus and it can save you a lot of discomfort during a cold. Other ways to avoid linking pregnancy with the flu include:

Washing hands regularly:

     This is one of the most important things you can do to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after meals, after using the bathroom, and again throughout the day. Washing the hands with an antiseptic soap to get rid of germs is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy.

Avoid people who have the flu or the flu:

     Common sense should tell you to avoid people who are already sick. Contact with infected people is an easy way to get sick on your own, so if possible, just avoid people who are sick until they are no longer contagious.

     Keeping your hands away from the nose, mouth and eyes: Germs often get into these areas, so try not to touch them.

     If you are unlucky enough to catch a cold, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the symptoms and speed up your recovery. Remember, though, that with pregnancy and the flu, there are many medicines you can not take because they can be dangerous for you or your baby. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication to treat your flu symptoms. The following treatments may be helpful if you have a cold:

Acetaminophen for fever, aches and pains

Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine

-Honey or other natural ingredients to protect the sore throat

-A lot of rest.

-Drinking too much liquid especially water, juice, and tea

     Getting a cold is not fun. Getting a cold during pregnancy is NOT really fun. Pregnancy and flu do not mix, so do yourself a favor by getting a flu shot and taking preventive measures to avoid infection.