Pregnant Women Get Flu: Causes and 7 Tips

Medicine has difficulty treating flu in pregnant women because the treatments can affect both the pregnant woman and the fetus. Flu can spread from person to person. Young children, the elderly and pregnant women are the most susceptible to the disease.

During pregnancy, pregnant women may sneeze, have a runny nose, sore throat, even cough, chills, fatigue and weakness. So when pregnant women have a cold, when should they see a doctor? What should pregnant women do when they have a cold? Let’s refer to seven effective flu prevention methods for pregnant women with Wilimedia!

What is influenza?

Acute respiratory viral infections are the cause of influenza. Influenza A usually has 15 hemagglutinating antigens H (H1-H15) and 9 neutralizing antigens N (N1-N9).

The disease usually lasts from 7 to 10 days and most people will recover completely. For people with weak immune systems, it can cause serious complications and even death.

Causes of Flu in Pregnant Women:

Sneezing a lot, runny nose, sore throat and cough are symptoms of flu. Pregnant women with flu during pregnancy can have health problems and can affect the fetus if this condition persists.

Therefore, knowing the causes of flu will help pregnant women prevent the disease. The following subjective and objective factors are the causes of Pregnant Women Having Flu:

• • Subjective factors

Hormones change during pregnancy, leading to a weaker immune system. When pathogens enter the pregnant woman’s body, the pregnant woman’s body becomes more sensitive.

• • Objective factors

Due to changes in weather and changes in the surrounding living environment, the pregnant woman’s body is also more susceptible to pathogens.

In addition, the pregnant woman’s body can be cross-infected if the pregnant woman comes into contact with people who have the flu during this time. Because the flu virus can spread from sick people to others through their saliva and phlegm.

People with good resistance can fight off these infectious agents. However, the sensitive body of pregnant women is very susceptible to infection.

Find out how to distinguish the flu from a cold

Medicine classifies colds into two types. Although they have similarities, they also have differences.

• • Pregnant Women Have Flu.

– Cause: Usually caused by an epidemic virus. There are three main types of flu: A, B and C.

– Symptoms: Flu usually appears quickly and includes some main symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle pain, sweating and exhaustion in pregnant women.

• • Pregnant women have cold.

– Cause: Superbugs enter the pregnant woman’s body through the mouth and nose, leading to a cold. Rhinovirus is the most common virus that causes colds.

– Symptoms: Pregnant women have colds with signs such as cough, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose and sore throat. In addition, pregnant women may have a low fever or headache, but these symptoms are not common.

Pregnant Women Get Flu Due to Lack of Care

Any problem during pregnancy not only affects the pregnant woman but also the fetus. This can make dealing with the disease more complicated.

In the past, if a pregnant woman had a cold or similar problem, she could use over-the-counter drugs to “get rid of” this condition quickly. Currently, pregnant women will have to think about whether using drugs is safe for the fetus.

In fact, doctors can provide many types of drugs specifically for pregnant women. Therefore, treating flu for pregnant women is not too difficult.

Pregnant Women Get Flu and Signs of Flu

Pregnant women can quickly detect flu symptoms during pregnancy to avoid serious consequences for the health of both mother and fetus. Some signs of the flu:

• • Fever during pregnancy, starting slowly and then increasing
  • Sore throat and chills
  • Severe muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Congestive and runny nose
  • Persistent fatigue

The flu usually comes on quickly and can be severe. Symptoms often get worse and last longer. Pregnant women should avoid taking medication during the first three months of pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage, pregnancy poisoning, and birth defects later.

However, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications or some other medications to treat the flu to avoid complications.

Does the flu affect the fetus?

Although the flu can cause many different illnesses, not all pregnant women who get it will harm their baby. However, there are some threats to the baby:

• • Fetal abnormalities: When a pregnant woman gets the flu, especially during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is at risk of certain abnormalities such as cleft palate, congenital heart disease, and other malformations.
  • Autism risk: One study found that when a mother has a fever in the first trimester, the fetus has a 34% increased risk of autism.
  • Asthma and allergies risk: The mother’s exposure to viruses and bacteria during pregnancy affects the environment in the body. Therefore, the baby is likely to develop asthma and allergies at a young age.
  • Premature birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage: The toxicity of the virus and high fever can cause fetal abnormalities. This can lead to premature birth, stillbirth, or miscarriage.

What to do if pregnant women have a cold?

Pregnant women should not worry when they have a cold, they can reduce the symptoms of the disease by using the following methods:

• • Home treatment

When there are signs, steam your nose immediately

This traditional method is simple and can be used at home. Pregnant women boil leaves with essential oils such as perilla, basil, mint, grapefruit leaves, lemongrass and mugwort with clean water. Next, open the lid of the steaming pot and inhale the hot steam from the outside into the face. It will help pregnant women reduce shortness of breath.

Drip saline solution

0.9% NaCl saline solution cleans the nasal passages, removes mucus, viruses and bacteria in the nose. Therefore, if the mother has a cold, use this solution to wash and clean the nose every day.

Use warm salt water to gargle

Pregnant women can mix a spoonful of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargle before going to bed and after waking up.

Nose care with cajeput oil

Mothers should use cajeput oil or peppermint oil to open up the airways and clear the nose. Make sure you only apply a small amount to the nostrils.

Keep the body warm and rest

To prevent flu symptoms from getting worse, pregnant mothers need to pay attention to keeping the body warm. Moreover, proper rest also helps pregnant mothers have enough energy and the immune system to function better, helping to fight diseases.

When sleeping, prop up your pillow

Pregnant mothers can also recover faster by getting enough sleep. Pregnant mothers should prop up their heads in the most comfortable position when sleeping. This will help reduce nasal congestion and prevent phlegm from flowing out.

Eat a balanced diet

Focus on eating foods rich in zinc (lean red meat, skinless chicken breast, whole grains, eggs, green beans, spinach, broccoli, kale, and pumpkin seeds) and foods rich in vitamin C (oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, raspberries, etc.)

In case the disease does not improve after using the above methods, pregnant women must see a doctor for examination and treatment to prevent unfortunate complications.

What should pregnant women eat when they have the flu? Here are some suggested dishes that pregnant women can cook at home to help relieve the flu:

• • Perilla, Egg and Onion Porridge

The combination of these three delicious and nutritious ingredients makes this porridge very good for pregnant women with colds. Eggs contain a lot of protein, providing nutrients for pregnant women’s bodies to fight colds. Onions have a spicy and neutral taste, which helps to dispel colds, clear the air, relieve colds and disinfect. In addition, the warm properties of perilla will reduce sore throats and nausea.

• • Fruits rich in vitamin C

Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps improve your immune system and fight diseases, such as the flu. Pregnant women can provide vitamin C to their bodies by eating the following fruits: strawberries, kiwis, oranges, guavas and grapefruits. Pregnant women will have a healthy body and beautiful skin thanks to these fruits.

• • Using garlic

The antibiotics in garlic help prevent infections and bacteria and viruses that cause flu. Pregnant women should add garlic to dishes such as stir-fried vegetables or braised shrimp if they do not want to eat raw garlic. Women can combine dessert with fruits rich in vitamin C to supplement nutrients and make it easier to digest.

• • Chicken soup

This is a dish that contains many nutrients, vitamins and anti-inflammatory substances. Chicken soup can also relieve the symptoms of flu. Pregnant women need to use cayenne powder, garlic, ginger, onion and thyme to make chicken soup to treat colds.

In addition, it can also be combined with some of the drinks below to improve the flu condition of pregnant women:

• • Hot water

Pregnant women feel good when drinking warm water. Sore throat, dehydration and stuffy nose will be reduced.

• • Ginger tea

Ginger has the ability to warm the body and eliminate toxins, viruses and bacteria. Pregnant women should drink a cup of fresh ginger tea with honey and a slice of fresh lemon (or a few drops of lemon juice) to cure colds.

• • Using apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has the ability to purify internal organs, clean the lymph nodes and create an alkaline environment, which helps to kill bacteria effectively. Therefore, pregnant women should mix a spoonful of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water and drink or gargle every day if they have a cold. Until the cold symptoms subside, you can drink it several times a day.

Note: Pregnant women should not drink apple cider vinegar if they have heartburn or bloating.

Effective ways to prevent flu in pregnant women:

• • Flu vaccination: Taking the initiative to get vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent flu. Mothers should take the initiative to get vaccinated against flu before pregnancy to reduce the risk of getting sick. Pregnant women can get vaccinated against flu in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy if they have not been vaccinated before pregnancy.

Pregnant women should avoid contact with sources of flu infection and wear masks and clean their hands when in crowded places because flu is very contagious.

Keeping the living space clean and airy is the most important thing. It is necessary to keep the body warm in winter.

Improve resistance by maintaining a full diet, regular and appropriate exercise.

• • Treating the flu in the hospital

Pregnant women should go to medical facilities immediately to continue treatment if home treatment is not effective. The goal of treatment in the hospital is to ensure that you use the medicine correctly and to reduce the impact on your fetus. Some common medications include:

• • Antiviral drugs: Pregnant women can safely take Tamiflu and other antiviral drugs, and your doctor will prescribe the right medicine for you. Antiviral drugs work best within two days of becoming sick.
  • Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is often recommended if you have a fever, aches and pains, or a headache. You should ask your doctor about the appropriate dosage before buying the medicine.
  • Cough medicine: Pregnant women can take pain relievers such as Mucinex, Robitussin, or Vicks 44 to relieve coughs. The appropriate dosage for the condition should still be asked by your doctor.
  • Nasal sprays: Most steroid nasal sprays are safe for pregnant women. Ask your doctor about the name of the medication and the dosage you should use. Saline sprays and rinses are generally safe for cleaning and moisturizing your nose.
  • Antihistamines: Benadryl and Claritin are safe for pregnant women if your doctor says it is okay. Some doctors recommend avoiding these medications during the first trimester.

Remember, you should always consult your doctor before taking any medication. Don’t refuse medication that your doctor has prescribed because you think it might harm your baby. To keep you and your baby safe, you should get treatment as soon as you have the flu.

Conclusion:

Pregnant women have received basic knowledge about health care and flu prevention from the article. Do not be subjective and always protect your body from pathogens.

Anyone can get the flu, but children and pregnant women often have weaker resistance. When the flu occurs in the first trimester, both the mother and the fetus can be seriously affected in terms of health, such as miscarriage or fetal malformations. Therefore, flu vaccination before and during pregnancy is extremely important.

In addition to vaccination, regular prenatal check-ups at reputable medical facilities and obstetricians are also very important. Because mothers can easily get infectious diseases during pregnancy, affecting their health and the development of the fetus

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