How to treat your cold and flu while pregnant?
Relenza and Tamiflu are both FDA approved for treatment of influenza. Both drugs have been carefully looked at to understand their safety profile in …
What can pregnant women take for flu?
Sep 02, 2021 · Flu shots given during pregnancy help protect both the pregnant parent and the baby from flu. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant people by up to one-half. A 2018 study external icon showed that getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant person’s risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40 …
When to get Tdap when pregnant?
Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing influenza infection during pregnancy whereby can protect both maternal and fetal immunities. The safety profiles of antiviral drugs during pregnancy are limited.
Can flu symptoms be early sign of pregnancy?
Jul 17, 2015 · Home remedies for cold and flu during pregnancy Get plenty of rest. Drink a lot of fluids. Gargle with warm salt water, if you have a sore throat or cough.
What can a pregnant woman take for the flu?
Safe OTC Cold and Flu Treatment to Use During PregnancyAcetaminophen (Tylenol)Actifed.Saline nasal drops or spray.Sudafed.Tylenol Sinus.Tylenol Cold and Flu.Warm salt/water gargle.Aug 5, 2020
How can I treat the flu at home while pregnant?
For symptoms, try these four natural flu remedies:Use sugar- or honey-based lozenges to relieve sore throats and coughs.Get plenty of bed rest.Drink lots of fluids, like water, juice, and caffeine-free tea.Put an air humidifier in your room to provide extra moisture, which can help ease congestion.May 10, 2021
Can the flu harm your baby when pregnant?
Changes to the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make people more susceptible to influenza severe enough to cause hospitalization throughout pregnancy and up to two weeks postpartum. Influenza also may be harmful for the developing baby.Sep 2, 2021
Can flu harm the baby during pregnancy?
Flu caught during pregnancy can be harmful not only to pregnant mothers but also to their unborn baby. Problems related to flu during pregnancy include your baby being born too early, or being a low birth weight. In serious cases, it can even lead to stillbirth. Flu can be fatal for newborn babies.
What is the best way to protect against the flu?
A Flu Vaccine is the Best Protection Against Flu. Getting an influenza (flu) vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. Pregnant women should get a flu shot and not the nasal spray flu vaccine. Flu shots given during pregnancy help protect both the mother and her baby from flu. Vaccination has been shown ...
What to do if you get the flu?
There are antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness and prevent serious flu complications. CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have influenza infection or suspected influenza infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women and people with asthma, diabetes (including gestational diabetes), or heart disease. Early treatment of flu in hospitalized pregnant women has been shown to reduce the length of the hospital stay.
What are some preventative actions pregnant women should take?
In addition to getting a flu shot, pregnant women should take the same everyday preventive actions CDC recommends of everyone, including avoiding people who are sick, covering coughs, and washing hands often. In addition, breastfeeding also has many benefits, including helping to protect infants from infections like flu.
How soon after symptoms can you start taking antiviral medication?
Treatment should begin as soon as possible because antiviral drugs work best when started early (within 48 hours after symptoms start). Antiviral drugs can make your flu illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious health problems that can result from flu illness.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is most common in young children. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
How do you know if you are pregnant?
If you are pregnant and have any of these signs, call 911 right away: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse. Seizures. Not urinating. Severe muscle pain. Severe weakness or unsteadiness.
Can a fever cause birth defects?
Having a fever caused by flu infection or other infections early in pregnancy may be linked to birth defects in a baby. In addition to taking antiviral drugs, pregnant women who get a fever should treat their fever with Tylenol® (or store brand equivalent) and contact their health care provider immediately.
How to reduce the risk of getting sick while pregnant?
Others things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick include: washing your hands often. getting enough sleep. eating a healthy diet. avoiding close contact with sick family or friends. exercising regularly. reducing stress.
What to take after 12 weeks of pregnancy?
Several medications are considered safe after 12 weeks of pregnancy. These include: menthol rub on your chest, temples, and under the nose. nasal strips, which are sticky pads that open congested airways. cough drops or lozen ges. acetaminophen (Tylenol) for aches, pains, and fevers. cough suppressant at night.
How to get rid of a sore throat while pregnant?
When you fall ill while pregnant, your first steps should be to: Get plenty of rest. Drink a lot of fluids. Gargle with warm salt water, if you have a sore throat or cough. If your symptoms worsen, you might want to try: saline nasal drops and sprays to loosen nasal mucus and soothe inflamed nasal tissue.
Can you take OTC decongestant while pregnant?
When you become pregnant, everything that happens to you can affect not just your body, but that of your unborn child. This realization can make dealing with illness more complicated. In the past, if you got a cold or became sick with the flu, you may have taken an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant. But now you might wonder whether it’s safe. Although medications can relieve your symptoms, you don’t want the drug causing problems for the baby. Many medications can be taken while pregnant, so treating a cold or flu during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
Can you take a cold while pregnant?
Although medications can relieve your symptoms, you don’t want the drug causing problems for the baby. Many medications can be taken while pregnant, so treating a cold or flu during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
How to sleep when you have difficulty breathing?
If you're able to sleep, try to get a nap. If you are having difficulty breathing when lying down, consider propping yourself up with some pillows to ease your breathing.
How to prevent a cold?
While you can't prevent every cold or sniffle, remember that the best offense is a good defense. Wash your hands, avoid people who are ill, and take care of yourself by eating well and getting enough rest. Avoid people who are sick, even if they are in your family. Do not drink or eat after others.
Can you get a cold while pregnant?
Getting a cold or even the flu when you're pregnant isn't an impossibility. In fact, it could be your reality. Being pregnant can actually impair the function of your immune system, making it more likely that you'll get sick. But don't panic.
Can you eat if you don't feel like it?
Even if you don't feel like eating, be sure to stay well hydrated. Dehydration can bring on contractions that could possibly lead to preterm labor. This can be a real risk when pregnant, so even small sips of fluids will be a good thing. And when you can eat, try to eat well.
Can you take over the counter medications while pregnant?
Medications. Be sure to check any over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies with your doctor or midwife before taking them. While some may be safe for pregnancy, many others are not—and your particular medical history may make some medications off-limits for you, while others are recommended.
Is it safe to take acetaminophen while pregnant?
Your practitioner is the best judge of whether or not a product is safe for you to take while pregnant. For instance, it's usually safe to take acetaminophen occasionally for pain, but not necessarily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Is tea good for a sore throat?
If your throat hurts, tea can be very comforting to your sore throat. It has tannins that can help soothe your throat. You can also add honey for added comfort. Watch out for specialty teas, though, which have herbs that may or may not be safe in pregnancy.
How long after chemo can you get pregnant?
Chemoprophylaxis. Post-exposure antiviral chemoprophylaxis can be considered for certain pregnant women and women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) who have had close contact with someone likely to have been infectious with influenza and who.
How long does oseltamivir last?
The duration of antiviral treatment with oseltamivir is 5 days.
Why should antiviral treatment not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza?
Decisions to start antiviral treatment should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza because laboratory testing can delay treatment and because a negative rapid influenza diagnostic test result does not rule out influenza.
Why is rapid access to antiviral medications important?
Since rapid access to antiviral medications is important, health care providers who care for pregnant and postpartum (including following pregnancy loss) women should develop methods to ensure that treatment can be started quickly after symptom onset. Actions that will support early treatment initiation include:
What are the symptoms of influenza?
Typical manifestations of influenza include fever, cough, rhinorrhea, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath, and myalgia. Some patients with influenza have vomiting, diarrhea, or conjunctivitis, ...
What are the effects of pregnancy on the immune system?
Changes in the immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems that occur during pregnancy put pregnant women at risk of being more severely affected by certain infections, including influenza. Postpartum women, who are in transition to normal immune, cardiac, and respiratory function, should be considered to be at increased risk ...
Is antiviral treatment for influenza an alternative to chemo?
Early antiviral treatment if women develop symptoms of influenza is an alternative to chemoprophylaxis for some pregnant and postpartum women who have had contact with someone likely to have been infectious with influenza. Clinical judgment is an important factor in treatment decisions. Top of Page.
Why do you get tested early?
Getting tested early on helps ensure you’re treated as early as possible and that your close contacts can receive preventative (prophylactic) treatment to stay healthy. Because the flu can be serious in pregnant women, your doctor may want to treat you with an antiviral mediation like Tamiflu.
What to avoid during pregnancy?
Medications to avoid during pregnancy. Some of the medications that could help with flu symptoms when you’re not pregnant are off the table for moms-to-be because they may cause harm to the unborn baby. These include: Some pain relievers.
How to get rid of a sore throat from fever?
Keeping in close contact with your practitioner. Resting a lot. Drinking plenty of fluids to soothe your sore throat and replace what’s lost by fever. Taking the antiviral medication your doctor may prescribe according to his or her instructions.
What to do if you suspect you have the flu?
If you suspect that you do have the flu, call your doctor right away to get a firm diagnosis and the treatment you need (which may involve pregnancy-safe antiviral prescription medications for the flu) as soon as possible.
How to reduce high fever?
Since a high fever can be potentially harmful, you’ll need to take steps to reduce it, including: Take a fever-reducing medication (acetaminophen — aka Tylenol — is the safest bet; see below for the medications you should avoid) Try a tepid bath or shower. Drink plenty of cool beverages.
What temperature is the flu?
Influenza (aka the flu) is more severe and comes on more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms include: Fever (usually 101 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees F or higher; call your doctor if it climbs above 101 degrees F. Intense muscle aches.
How to keep a baby safe from the flu?
They include: Keeping in close contact with your practitioner. Resting a lot.
What should a gynecologist do if pregnant?
Obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care providers should treat pregnant women with suspected or confirmed influenza with antiviral medications presumptively based on clinical evaluation, regardless of vaccination status or laboratory test results.
What antiviral is used for pregnant women?
Pregnant women with suspected or confirmed influenza infection should receive antiviral treatment with oseltamivir and acetaminophen for treatment of fever. Zanamivir and peramivir are alternative approved influenza antiviral options for treatment. Pregnancy is not a contraindication to these antivirals 7.
How long does it take to get zanamivir for pregnant women?
Treatment within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms is ideal but treatment should not be withheld if the ideal window is missed.
How long does oseltamivir last?
Based on previous influenza seasons, oseltamivir is the preferred treatment for pregnant women (75 mg orally twice daily for 5 days) assuming there is sufficient supply and the prevalence of resistant circulating viruses is low.
What is considered a high risk pregnancy?
Pregnant women who cannot maintain oral fluid intake, show signs of dehydration, are experiencing difficulty breathing or pain in the chest, or exhibit any signs of obstetric complications are considered moderate or high risk and should be referred immediately to an emergency department or equivalent setting.
What are the complications of the flu?
Complications of flu include preterm delivery, pneumonia, hospital or intensive care unit admission, and maternal and fetal death 1 2.
Does ACOG have a warranty?
While ACOG makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information, this publication is provided “as is” without any warranty of accuracy, reliability, or otherwise, either express or implied. ACOG does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the products or services of any firm, organization, or person.
How Can Flu Be Harmful To Your Pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes some changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs. Flu in pregnant women can cause compilations, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which may also lead to hospitalization.
What Are The Symptoms Of Flu In Pregnancy?
The following are the symptoms of flu. They are the same in both pregnant women and other people, including non-pregnant women (4).
What Is The Treatment Of Flu During Pregnancy?
It is recommended that the treatment of pregnant women with flu should be started as soon as they develop flu-like symptoms. For most pregnant women, testing is not needed, and treatment can be started without waiting for tests or results.
Are There Safe Medications For Flu During Pregnancy?
The US government has approved the use of the following three antiviral medications to treat flu in pregnant women or mothers who have recently delivered their babies (1) (6). Your doctor might prescribe them based on the necessity of medicines for your condition.
How To Prevent Flu In Pregnancy?
Getting a flu shot is the most effective way to protect yourself from a flu infection. Vaccination has been proven to be effective against the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by up to half. Babies of vaccinated mothers are born with immunity that would last for a few weeks against flu.
Is It Safe To Get A Flu Shot During Pregnancy?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu shot has an excellent safety record in over a million pregnant women who are administered the flu shot over several years (3). For most pregnant women, it is safe to get a flu shot during pregnancy.
How To Stop The Flu From Spreading?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps to prevent flu from spreading (7).