Flu While Pregnant
Important Facts About Getting the Flu While Pregnant
Getting the flu while pregnant can be alarming, and it is especially important to seek medical attention whenever the flu is contracted during pregnancy. This has been a particularly hot topic recently, with the recent breakouts of H1N1 flu across the country and the seasonal flu just on the doorstep.
Preventing the Flu While Pregnant
Currently, many medical professionals are recommending that pregnant women get vaccinated against the flu, especially the H1N1 flu, which is also known as the swine flue). Of course, this is a personal choice, but pregnant women should contact their doctor for any medical advice when it comes to getting a vaccine to prevent the flu while pregnant.
Besides getting vaccinated, there are a few other ways for pregnant women to prevent the flu, and top on the list is simply washing your hands frequently, especially when in public. If you are around anyone who is sick, be aware and make sure to sanitize your hands after contact. Always keep your hands and fingers out of your mouth – that means no nail biting! In fact, try to keep your hands away from your face in general, avoiding contact with your eyes and nose as well.
A major key to flu prevention is maintaining a healthy body. This will boost your immune system and help fight off illness. Do this by eating a well-balanced diet full of nutritious food, which is especially important for pregnant women who may tend to eat more. Drink plenty of water too, because this helps cleanse the body and keeps things flowing.
Along with eating right and drinking enough water, exercise and proper sleep can play an important role in fending off sickness. Regular exercise is important for pregnant women in general to keep their body strong and vital. Pregnancy can leave a woman feeling wiped out most days, so getting enough sleep should be a daily priority.
Treating the Flu While Pregnant
If you do get the flu during pregnancy, it is important to see your doctor for medical treatment and to make sure you are recovering properly. There are several things to do at home to help with flu treatment while pregnant:
> Increase your intake of liquids, especially water.
> Make sure you are eating enough. Having the flu usually takes away the appetite, but it is vital for a pregnant woman to get proper nutrition every day. Some find that eating 5 or 6 small meals as opposed to 3 large meals helps to deal with a lowered desire to eat.
> Rest, rest and more rest. If you have a job, stay home. One of the most important ways of treatment the flu while pregnant is sleep. Frequent rest periods give the body a chance to fight the sickness off and will help you recover faster.
> Use a steamer or vaporizer to treat the stuffy nose and congestion that comes with the flu. If the sinuses are involved, a warm compress applied to the eyes and cheeks can provide temporary relief.
> There are several medications that are safe for pregnant women to take when they are suffering from the flu, but they should generally not be taken without consulting the doctor first. Some of the most common medications approved for use in pregnant women with the flu include Sudafed, some cough syrups (Robitussin, Robitussin DM and Vicks) and Tylenol. Again, any medications should be approved by your doctor, even if they are over-the-counter remedies.