The flu, which is frequently seen in the winter months, affects our lives negatively and also puts the health of the baby in danger during pregnancy. What are the symptoms of the flu? What are the ways to avoid the flu while pregnant? Can I get the flu vaccine during pregnancy?
Motherhood; It is a process that starts when you decide to become a mother before giving birth to the baby. Therefore, women begin to sacrifice for their children the moment they find out they are pregnant.
The flu, which is frequently seen in the winter months, affects our lives negatively and also puts the health of the baby in danger during pregnancy. The flu during pregnancy may be more severe and longer than normal due to the suppression of the immune system.
Avrasya Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Nurcan Dalan explains the steps that women with sensitive pregnancies should follow in order to reduce the effects of the flu.
During pregnancy, the flu can be passed from mother to baby
Flu; It starts with symptoms such as high fever, weakness and cough caused by the influenza virus. The flu, which is a contagious disease, is usually spread by coughing and sneezing.
Although the flu usually clears up on its own within a week, it can be fatal in susceptible individuals. Therefore, the expectant mother should avoid getting the flu throughout her pregnancy.
Since the flu is a disease related to the immune system, it carries many risks when it is passed during pregnancy. Complications may develop in the circulatory and respiratory systems as well as immunity in pregnant women who are in the risk group.
Both the expectant mother and the baby may be harmed by the complications that will develop. Therefore, it is very important not to underestimate the flu during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
- High fever (38 degrees and above)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sweating
- Headache
- Dry and persistent cough
- Fatigue and weakness
- Throat ache
- Difficulty swallowing
- Runny nose and congestion
- Sneeze
- difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Vomiting due to cough
High fever can be dangerous
Infections due to flu and high fever in the first 3 months of pregnancy can harm the baby and even cause disability.
High fever in the last weeks of pregnancy can lead to the onset of labor pains. But the idea that coughing or sneezing due to the flu will cause a miscarriage is purely urban legend.
When should pregnant women consult a doctor?
- When the fever rises above 38.5 degrees for a long time
- If there is difficulty in breathing
- If chest pain occurs
- Severe ear pain, discharge and bleeding from the ear
- If there is a rash and redness
- If neck stiffness occurs and chronic cough is observed, you should definitely see your doctor.
Ways to avoid the flu while pregnant
Staying away from the virus that causes the flu is the first step in protecting yourself from the flu during pregnancy. Therefore, it is very important to stay away from closed and public areas and public areas where the virus can be found widely. Wearing a mask in public transport is an effective method of protection from the virus. Avoiding hand contact during flu epidemics is also a good way to protect yourself from the flu.
Can I get the flu vaccine during pregnancy?
The best time to get the flu vaccine is October-November. The flu vaccine is administered in the arm as an intramuscular injection. Although the flu vaccine is safe in all periods of pregnancy, it is better to have it done at the end of this period to avoid drug use unless it is very necessary in the first three months. Since the flu vaccine does not contain live viruses, there is no harm in using it during pregnancy. Breastfeeding mothers can also safely get the flu vaccine.
If you have the flu while pregnant despite all precautions…
It is more important not to get sick during pregnancy than to treat it. If the expectant mother has the flu despite all precautions, she should consult a doctor with the first symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. You should avoid using unnecessary antibiotics for flu during pregnancy.
To reduce the effects of the flu;
- Drinking plenty of fluids is extremely important.
- You should consume fresh vegetables and fruits.
- In order to prevent infections, you should consume fruits containing vitamin C.
- You should sleep regularly.
- You should pay attention to the air and temperature of the environment you live in.
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