Flu and cold are very common during pregnancy. Many expecting moms suffer from cold and flu as during pregnancy the immune system gets affected by the slightest of changes. Flu and cold aren’t necessarily harmful in all cases.

However, if proper care isn’t taken, the symptoms can get severe causing major complications in your pregnancy. Therefore, it is very essential that you stay safe from flu and cold while you are pregnant. In this article, we will take you to various measures by which you can prevent yourself from flu and will also tell you how you can keep yourself comfortable if you fall a prey to it.

Measures to take if you are suffering from cold and flu while being pregnant
1. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids in a day, around eight to 10 glasses. It’s not necessary that you have to stick with water only. You can even go for fresh fruit juices. But make sure that water intake isn’t reduced and nor do you rely more on tea or coffee.

2. When you suffer from flu or cold during pregnancy, chances are high of you might not feeling like eating. But skipping meals would be a great mistake to make. If you are uncomfortable with regular size meals, divide it into six small meals.

3. You will have to take plenty of rest as this will give your body the needed energy to combat the illness.

4. During extreme cold condition, sit with your head covered with a towel over a pan of steaming water. Adding little Vicks to the water can provide great relief.

5. Apply Vicks or any warm vapour rub on your nose, chest, throat, back and areas above and below your eyes, this will also make you feel comfortable.

Measures to prevent or avoid flu and cold in pregnancy
The best way of keeping flu at bay during pregnancy is to get a flu shot. However, avoid taking the nasal spray influenza vaccine as it’s not considered safe for pregnant women. Your doctor will be able to tell you which vaccine would be safe for you.

In order to cut down your chances of getting affected by cold or flu during pregnancy, you must take care of the following tips:

1. Always wash your hands using an antibacterial soap. If possible, keep a hand sanitizer handy. You may never know when you come across the flu causing virus. It would be better to use the sanitizer in frequent intervals or whenever the need be. 

2. Try to stay away from crowd. Unless it’s very necessary, make sure you don’t surround yourself with too many people or visit a crowded place. Flu and cold viruses are known to be contagious and they spread very quickly. If you have to visit any crowded place, make sure you use a mask or keep the face covered.   

3. Make sure you don’t come in contact with people suffering from cold as you will be at greater risk of catching the virus.

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth over and over again. Germs spread when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after coming in contact with a contaminated surface.

When to call a doctor

Despite taking care of all the measures as given, if you feel your condition is getting worse, speak to your health care provider without any delay. Call the doctor if:

• You face any trouble in breathing.
   
• Your symptoms get worse after three or four days.
   
• You develop the symptoms back after feeling a little better.
   
• You develop signs as vomiting, high temperature, chest pain, or coughing with thick or yellow-green mucus.
  
  The condition as said is very common during pregnancy, but you must avoid taking any medicine without doctor’s prescription as you may not know what all medicines can cause any reaction or are unsafe for your pregnancy. Just stay safe!