Influenza also known as flu can be dangerous for pregnant women. This is because pregnancy naturally suppresses the immune system. It also causes additional stress on the lungs and heart. Pregnant women infected with the influenza virus have an increased risk of premature birth, miscarriages and low birth weight. It can also lead to pneumonia , hospitalization or even death of pregnant woman.

What are the symptoms of flu ?

Symptoms of flu include :

• headache
• sore throat
• runny nose
• fever or chills
• sneezing
• shortness of breath
• diarrhea or vomiting
• cough
• fatigue
• body aches
• loss of apeetite

How is flu treated during pregnancy ?

 
Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you feel like you getting influenza. Your doctor will prescribe antiviral medications to treat the flu.  These medications may reduce the duration of the flu. Antiviral medications work better when taken as soon as you get sick.

Your doctor may also suggest the following precautionary measures.

• drinking plenty of fluids
• getting enough rest

 
The doctor may treat fever with pain medication. Acetaminophen is recommended for pain during pregnancy.

Ways to avoid catching the flu.

These lifestyle changes can help protect you from influenza during pegnancy.

• wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with warm water and soap
• eat healthy
• get enough rest
• avoid contact with people infected with flu
• avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes
• don’t sneeze or cough into your bare hands
• wipe surfaces and items such as toys, door handles, telephone and kitchen counters regularly

 
You can also get the flu shot as soon as it becomes available. You should note that it may take a couple of weeks after taking the shot to develop immunity.

Flu shots are safe for both pregnant mother and unborn baby. The flu nasal spray is however not recommended for pregnant women or women trying to conceive. This is because it contains a live strain of the virus.

Taking the flu vaccine while pregnant has an added advantage on the unborn baby. The antibodies from the mother are transmitted through the placenta to the unborn baby. This is able to protect the baby up to 6 months after birth.

The flu shot is also safe during breasfeeding. Antibodies are passed though the breast milk to the baby. However you may experience soreness, tenderness and redness at injection site.
 
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