The flu has hit Hampton Roads with a vengeance. The ERs in Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth have been filled with people suffering with coughs and fevers. There have also been many admissions to the hospital of patients with severe cases. It’s been a serious health concern in our area for the past few months, but even more so in recent weeks.
Pregnant women should do everything possible to avoid the flu. Why? Pregnancy is considered a “high-risk” condition with regards to influenza. This means that there is a higher risk of having a serious complication of the flu when your pregnant. Most of these complications involve difficulty breathing. Although it is not as common, there is a higher risk of fetal complications, including miscarriage, preterm delivery and unfortunately even stillborns. We obstetricians take flu during pregnancy very seriously.
How To Avoid Flu During Pregnancy
Take The Flu Vaccine
First of all you should get the flu vaccine to decrease your chances of getting the flu virus. And if you do get the flu, the vaccination may decrease the severity of the illness. The recommendation in the United States is that you get it no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in. The number one question many women have regarding the vaccine is: “Is the vaccine safe for the baby?” The CDC and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology state that it is safe to take. As a matter of fact it gives your baby protection that she can get in no other way.
The antibodies that your body produces in response to the vaccine cross over through the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream. This gives the her protection against the flu when she is born. Baby’s cannot receive the flu vaccine until much later in life. If you choose not take the vaccine during pregnancy or soon before you get pregnant, your baby will not be born with the antibody protection against the current strains of influenza virus, making her vulnerable to get the flu.
Keep Yourself Healthy
All pregnant women should adopt a lifestyle to keep themselves healthy during the pregnancy. This is even more true when there is widespread influenza in the community.
- Eat healthy, especially fruits and vegetables
- Get enough sleep
- Decrease the stress in your life
Stay Away From People With Symptoms of the Flu
Flu is transmitted through droplets released with a sneeze or cough. If you get close to these droplets you can inhale them. You can also get the virus through contact with the droplets on surfaces or on the hand of an infected person.
Sometimes you can’t help being around someone who is sick. Maybe it’s your spouse or your child. What can you do then?
- Have them wear a mask
- You wear a mask when around them if they cant wear one
- Minimize contact with them as possible
- Isolate them into a separate room away from you and stay out as much as possible
- Wash you hands frequently
- Minimize putting your hands in your mouth or near your nose
- Clean surfaces frequently with an antiseptic which is effective against Influenza (e.g. lysol)
What To Do If You Get The Flu
Flu during pregnancy should be dealt with great care. Keep calm and don’t become over-anxious, but remain alert. If you have symptoms of the flu, cough, fever, body aches, or chills, you should contact your obstetrician. Your doctor will want to see you in the office as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with the flu, you will be prescribed a medication called Tamiflu which can help lessen the impact of the influenza virus in your body. Your doctor will want to follow your progress frequently to make sure that you are getting better and the baby remains healthy.
“Second Opinions”
Here are some interesting articles from other sources that you might find helpful:
Influenza and Pregnancy (March of Dimes)
Study Confirms Benefits of Flu Vaccine for Pregnant Women ( The New York Times)
Pregnant Women and Influenza (flu) (CDC)
“Have The Flu? Need A Obstetrician?”
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This article is written for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as giving medical advice. Seek the counseling and care of a medical professional if you are sick or before making any decisions regarding your health.
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