Can flu affect the baby during pregnancy? How do you treat flu while pregnant? Learn about the signs and how to prevent flu during pregnancy here.
Flu during pregnancy is a big deal. It's the most common vaccine-preventable disease during pregnancy. And it can lead to severe complications for both mum and baby. But what exactly is the flu? And how can you avoid it?
Flu During Pregnancy
A specific type of virus called influenza A or B is an infection that causes flu. It can cause fever, headaches, body aches and pains and may also lead to pneumonia.
You're most likely to get the flu if you are exposed to infected people or objects like surfaces or eating utensils contaminated with the virus.
Although the flu is generally mild when you're pregnant, it can still be a serious threat to both you and your child. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. This means pregnant women are more likely to contract it because their immune system is weak.
What Are the Symptoms of Flu During Pregnancy?
If you're pregnant, it's essential to know what the flu looks like. It can result in some pretty uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea are more common in children than adults. The symptoms of pregnancy-related flu can include:
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Fever
One of the most common symptoms is fever, which can sometimes reach high levels. While fever is not necessarily dangerous, it can put stress on the baby and it can lead to other complications. If you are pregnant and you have a fever, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
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Coughing
This flu symptom can be particularly troublesome for pregnant women. Coughing often leads to increased fatigue and difficulty breathing. A pregnant woman's body is already working hard to support the growing baby, and a flu-related cough can make it even harder for her to get the rest she needs.
If you are pregnant and have a cough, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Consult your doctor before taking any cough medications as over-the-counter cough medicines are not always safe for pregnant women, even if they may help lessen your symptoms.
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Runny or Stuffy Nose
A runny nose is one of the first symptoms of flu during pregnancy. It usually starts with sneezing. Then runny nose and watering eyes, followed by sore throat and cough. The flu symptoms are like those of a common cold but tend to be more severe.
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Sore Throat
Check if your lymph nodes are swollen (the tiny glands near your neck). If you're pregnant, this is a way to tell if your sore throat is actually due to the flu. If the swelling lasts for more than three days, it is likely that you have the flu.
Another way to tell if your sore throat is actually due to the flu is by observing how long it lasts. If your sore throat lasts longer than three days or doesn't seem to be getting better, it's time to call your doctor!
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Muscle Aches
In most cases, muscle aches are not a problem. Muscle aches are one of the most common side effects of having the flu. It can mean that your body is working hard to fight off the virus. It's also normal for your body to feel more tired than usual because during this time you're fighting off an illness.
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Headache
During pregnancy, the symptoms of a headache can be even more pronounced. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a headache with your flu symptoms. It is because headaches are common in pregnant women and can be caused by different factors.
Sometimes you get a headache during pregnancy that you can tolerate. But sometimes, it almost feels like someone is hitting you with a hammer. This could mean that you have something more severe than the flu.
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Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of the flu during pregnancy. You may feel tired and weak and have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. The fatigue can last for several weeks after you get sick.
How to Avoid Catching Flu During Pregnancy?
When pregnant, it's important to take extra care of your health. You may be more susceptible to catching the flu and other illnesses during pregnancy because your body is fighting many new things.
Here are some tips on how to avoid catching the flu during pregnancy:
- Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or touching surfaces that other people with colds or the flu touch.
- Avoid sick people and keep yourself away from those who may have come into contact with someone sick.
- When you cough or sneeze, it is important to cover your mouth. You can do this by using your sleeve or upper arm. This is better than using your hand. Because germs can still get on surfaces that we touch every day. This is after being coughed or sneezed into our hands first.
- Get enough sleep, so you're as rested as possible for this time in your life!
- Don't forget to rewash your hands before eating anything yourself!
Why the Flu Is More Dangerous for Pregnant Women?
Flu is a common respiratory illness that affects both children and adults. Many people recover from flu. However, it is riskier for expecting mums.
The first trimester is the most critical period of gestation. It is during this time that the fetus develops many of its vital organs. Women are most vulnerable to getting sick during this period because they haven't yet built up immunity or developed antibodies against viruses.
If you get the flu while pregnant, many serious consequences could arise. The most common complications include:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Preeclampsia
- Premature delivery (before 37 weeks)
- Miscarriage
Besides, flu during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems for the baby, such as:
- Congenital malformations (an abnormality that results from fetal development)
- Respiratory distress syndrome in babies
- Brain damage
- Death
If you are pregnant and become sick with the flu, you should contact your doctor right away. To get instructions on how to get better.
How to Treat Flu During Pregnancy?
There's no specific method identified as a treatment for flu. But, there are some precautions that you can take to help your body fight off the illness and recover faster.
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Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential in keeping your body hydrated and healthy. But it also helps you avoid dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea. Drink water, tea or broth to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid juices, soda and other sugary drinks because they may make you feel worse.
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Get plenty of rest
Being sick with the flu can be very draining on your body and mind, so getting plenty of rest is important. If possible, try to sleep in a cool room or use an electric fan to keep cool while you sleep.
It would help if you also avoid strenuous exercise while sick with the flu because it will only worsen your symptoms and delay recovery time.
Consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These medications may not be safe for pregnant women because of potential effects on unborn babies. Consult your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant!
READ MORE:
What Flu Medication Is Safe During Pregnancy?
Is it Safe to Have Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy?
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