How to Cope With Flu during Pregnancy

 

Are you pregnant and having flu? This seems to be not a major problem but it can be a bit risky.  We should be open to some possibilities that having flu during pregnancy can cause complications. This is why a pregnant woman should strive hard not to get flu and other infections as well.

So, how do you know if you have flu or not? You are more likely to have flu if you are feeling symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, a runny nose and itchy throat. You feel some sort of body weakness or body malaise. You also experience diarrhea, stomach aches, headaches and other discomforts. If you have these symptoms, then most likely, you have caught flu.

If you are pregnant, there is nothing to do when flu has already caught up with you, as the infection is caused by viruses. Instead, here are some things you should do as a pregnant woman if you have already caught flu.

1. Eat Nutritious Food

Eat foods that are high in zinc and other nutrients to boost your immune system. Fruits rich in vitamin C can also do wonders. Examples of these vitamin C rich foods are kiwis, pineapple, oranges, grapefruit, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, edamame, kale, broccoli and spinach. Foods that are high in zinc include lean red meat, skinless chicken breast, eggs, chickpeas, lentils, black beans, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, kale, garlic and pumpkin seeds. All these foods can help boost your immune system

You can take your pregnancy multivitamins to supplement your nutrient needs. Plus, your baby will also get the vitamins, calcium and nutrients that he or she may need.

2. Treat Fever Right Away

If you are having fever, you can take a hot bath or a warm shower to ease muscle pain and lower your body temperature. You can take a paracetamol tablet every four hours if your body temperature is greater than 38 degrees centigrade; this medicine is safe for use during pregnancy. If you had previous allergy to paracetamol, don’t take it.

3. Consult Your Doctor

Consult your doctor if you have fever, so that your condition can be evaluated and treated properly. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Take rest at home.

Medicines that are considered safe for use during pregnancy are antivirals such as Tamiflu, paracetamol, cough remedies such as expectorants and cough suppressants, some nasal sprays such as those with steroids, and some allergy medicines. However, be sure to check with your doctor before using them.

When pregnant, avoid using pain relievers such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. You cannot also use certain decongestants, nasal sprays containing ozymetazoline and homeopathic supplements such as Echinacea and other herbs. Check with your doctor first before using any medicine while pregnant.

Can I get a flu shot during pregnancy?

Yes, it’s safe and you should get it. You should get flu vaccination before the flu season, as there is no risk of having flu infections that time. Flu viruses can change over time; this is why we need to get a flu shot annually to keep us protected from flu long-term.

Remember, there is no better way to keep safe during flu than following the advices of your doctor. Don’t risk your life or your baby’s for curiosities sake. Ask your doctor first before trying anything.

 

-Medical Observer

Related Articles

Obesity: A Serious Threat to Health

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass […]

Prevent and control obesity to protect your heart health

Around 27 million Filipino adults are overweight or obese, according to the latest National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food […]

What you can do for better heart health

Advances in scientific and technological knowledge have provided unprecedented advantages in terms of immeasurable convenience in our daily living, lightning-fast […]