Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, getting the flu while pregnant is never easy. However, when it comes to flu during pregnancy, it is common to run with a higher health risk for both the mom and the baby.
If you suspect you have the flu, reach out to your doctor. They can provide you with treatment, usually by prescribing antiviral medications which are safe to take during pregnancy and help with the symptoms. It is essential to get vaccinated yearly to lower the risk of getting the flu while pregnant.
The vaccine is usually covered by insurance companies and comes out annually around the end of September. It is recommended to get the flu shot while pregnant and as soon as possible, especially if the person is in their 3rd trimester.
Another prevention method is staying away from people who might be sick, washing your hands whenever you are outside, and not touching your face.
Obstetrics in Jacksonville is here to help you with this critical topic, so if you want to know more about it, please keep reading this article.
Is Getting the Flu While Pregnant Dangerous?
While pregnant, women’s bodies go through tremendous changes – from organs moving and the uterus expanding to accommodate the baby to the immune system lowering so your body doesn’t reject the fetus. That being said, during pregnancy, you are more susceptible to illnesses.
The lungs and the heart work harder to provide enough oxygen and blood for both of you. This puts additional stress on your body, making it easier for the flu to creep up on you when you least expect it.
The potential for severe complications is increased when a woman is pregnant, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions. In extreme cases, it could lead to hospitalization. The biggest concern that comes from flu is pneumonia. If caught early, pneumonia can be treated without more significant risks. Still, if not, it can lead to premature birth and even cause the baby to underdevelop. A higher risk of flu-related complications if you have the flu during pregnancy can also be experienced in the postpartum period.
Luckily, complications that can arise when having flu while pregnant are rare, and usually, nothing happens. It is just better to be prepared for potential issues.
What Do Flu Symptoms During Pregnancy Look Like?
The symptoms can come on either slowly or suddenly. Still, the common denominator is usually a fever, fatigue, aches, and possibly a headache. Sore throat, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, and chills are also probable.
You can even experience diarrhea and vomiting, which can be very dangerous. We recommend you consult with your doctor if any of these symptoms arise.
However, suppose you notice any of the following flu symptoms during pregnancy. In that case, you need to go to the emergency room immediately.
- Shortness of breath or any problems with breathing
- Continuous pain or pressure in your abdominal area or chest
- A cough or a fever that improves but then returns or worsens
- Persistent dizziness, haze, tiredness, or lethargy
- Severe or continuous vomiting
- Lesser fetal movement
- A high fever that doesn’t react to medicine
- Severe weakness or instability
- Seizures
- An inability to urinate
- Extreme muscle ache
These are just some of the symptoms you can experience.
How Is the Flu Treated in Pregnancy?
Treating flu during pregnancy should be done as soon as possible due to the higher risk it imposes on both mom and the baby if any complications arise.
Your doctor should advise you whether you need to get tested or receive treatment. They will probably prescribe antiviral medication over the phone or ask you to come in for a further check-up.
Nothing invasive is usually done if you need to go and get tested. The doctors usually take your blood, listen to your lungs and take a nasal swab. This being said, getting tested within two days of experiencing the symptoms is recommended.
You can try and ease the symptoms by following these steps:
- Drink lots of fluids.
- If you lack an appetite, try eating smaller meals to retain your nutritional intake.
- Rest
- If you experience a high fever, ask your doctor what paracetamol option would be less invasive since you are pregnant
- Have someone check up on you if you are alone at home
People with the flu are contagious a day before any symptoms show and stay contagious for about a week. So, to avoid spreading the flu, keep your distance from others, or wear a mask if you are in direct contact with people.
Is It Safe To Take Theraflu While Pregnant?
TheraFlu is an over-the-counter medication that can be purchased without a prescription and is used by many. It contains paracetamol (for pain relief), phenylephrine (to ease stuffiness in your nose and throat), and vitamin C (to boost your immune system).
Since there are different varieties of TheraFlu, it is highly suggested to consult with your doctor. Usually, doctors avoid recommending it to pregnant women with high blood pressure because it can damage their liver.
Since it is not a prescription-based medicine, it isn’t as effective or strong as some antiviral medicine you can receive. While it can ease the symptoms, taking TheraFlu while pregnant won’t stop the flu. Asking your doctor to recommend medication that can treat the illness is always the best course of action.
Is It Safe To Get the Flu Shot While Pregnant?
In short, yes. It is not only safe but also recommended because research has proven the vaccine safe and effective. It doesn’t impact the pregnancy at any stage and will not infect you or your baby with the flu, as some may think, because it is made from an inactive virus.
Please note that the flu shot should be administered yearly whether you are pregnant or not. It lowers the chances of having severe flu symptoms and protects your baby simultaneously. As with any virus, it develops new strains, and it is better to be safe and protect yourself on time than not at all.
As mentioned before, the flu shot becomes available each year around the end of September, so make sure to get it as soon as it is obtainable. Remember that it does take a few weeks to develop immunity after vaccination. However, this just means that if you take it as soon as it comes out, you will be protected during the flu season.
If your doctor recommends you don’t take the flu shot due to any illness you may have, you can always ask for advice on how to keep the flu at bay by other means of treatment.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancies can be hard to endure. While some women don’t experience any complications or hardships, many more do. Symptoms such as nausea, all-over body pains, especially in the lower back, and high-risk pregnancies where you have to spend your time resting and lying down are more common than not. Adding the flu to the list is unnecessary and can be avoided if you follow the guide we have provided you with. We hope you are staying safe, and this article will help you if you are trying to avoid the flu or suspect that you have it. And if you have any more questions, we at Trogolo Obstetrics and Gynecology in Jacksonville can help you with that. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any more doubts about this topic.
