What is flu?

Flu or influenza is a viral disease that can be spread easily from person to person through contact. It is more prevalent during the winter season.

A person can get flu if he/she comes in contact with a person already infected. Whenever a person suffering with flu coughs or sneezes, the virus is spread in the air and one can easily get infected from the same. Also, by being in touch with something having a flu virus, such as the remote control, you can get the virus.

Flu during pregnancy

Flu can cause great inconvenience and discomfort to the infected person. While the basic symptoms remain the same during pregnancy as well, there are other potential risks associated with getting flu during pregnancy. Pregnancy can increase the risk of, flu associated complications such as pneumonia.

During pregnancy, the body’s defense mechanism against disease causing agents is not too strong. A woman can easily catch illness like flu in this period as the immune system’s ability to fight the virus is lowered. 

Common flu symptoms 

Cough and cold

• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Nausea and weakness
• Headaches
• Fever
• Body ache
• Loss of appetite
• In some cases, the person may also have diarrhea and vomiting

Can flu harm the baby?

The mother’s mind is always worried about the safety of her little one. It is obvious that a woman will have lot of apprehensions regarding the safety of her baby in such a case. There is nothing to worry about. While flu can cause serious discomfort to the woman for several days at a stretch, there is no potential harm to the baby. The baby is protected from the virus in the womb. However, if you have high fever, it is recommended that you take proper rest and consult a doctor, as it may indicate some other secondary infection apart from flu as well.

How to prevent yourself from getting infected?

The best way to avoid getting the flu virus is to get vaccinated. It is important to remain protected as illness like colds and flu last much longer in pregnant women.

The flu shot can be taken safely during pregnancy. It does not harm the mother or the baby as it does not contain any live virus that can make you sick. The woman may experience fatigue or weakness for short span due to the response of the immune system to the vaccine. The vaccine takes about 2 weeks to become active in the body. A pregnant woman should not get a nasal flu vaccine.

How to treat flu during pregnancy?

• If you are having flu, it is important that you take extra rest and have a nutritious and balanced diet. The body is extremely weak during this time and you may not feel like eating anything. However, it is important that you have light food to maintain your energy level. Include green leafy vegetables and fruits in your diet. Have vitamin C rich food like banana, capsicum, sprouts, berries, etc.

• Always keep yourself hydrated. Drink a lot of fluids like herbal tea, soups, and juices apart from water. Cut down caffeine and take plenty of rest. You can also use natural remedies like honey based lozenges, hot water with honey and lemon to treat your sore throat. To reduce congestion, you can put an air humidifier in your room.

• Do not take any drug without consulting your doctor. If you have high fever, a dose of paracetamol may be recommended, as it is safe during pregnancy. The doctor can prescribe a saline nasal spray, or acetaminophen for treating fever and body pain.

• Take advice from your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drug. If you have any other problem like shortness of breath, high fever, dizziness or abdominal pain, call your doctor right away.
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