This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Wash your hands often, using soap and warm water.Ĭarry hand sanitizer with you, and use it when you are unable to wash with soap and water.Ī.D.A.M., Inc.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and throat.You should avoid sharing food, utensils, or cups with others.There are many things you can do to help protect yourself and your unborn child from the flu. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF AND MY BABY FROM THE FLU? It is best to talk to your provider before taking any cold medicines while you are pregnant. Tylenol is most often safe in standard doses to relieve pain or discomfort. The best self-care steps for taking care of yourself when you have the flu include rest and drinking plenty of liquids, especially water. It is best to avoid cold medicines, if possible, especially during the first 3 to 4 months of pregnancy. Some may be safer than others, but none are proven 100% safe. Many cold medicines contain more than one type of medicine. WHAT TYPES OF COLD MEDICINE CAN I TAKE FOR THE FLU IF I'M PREGNANT? If you have been around someone who has the flu, ask your provider if you need an antiviral drug. Being near the droplets or secretions from someone who sneezes, coughs, or has a runny nose.Caring for children who are sick with the flu.Eating or drinking with the same utensils.You are more likely to get the flu if you have close contact with someone who already has it. Women who develop a high fever or pneumonia are at higher risk for early labor or delivery and other harm.ĭO I NEED AN ANTIVIRAL DRUG IF I HAVE BEEN AROUND SOMEONE WITH THE FLU?.Pregnant women can become very sick very fast, even if the symptoms are not bad at first.Women who become more ill with the flu will have mild symptoms at first. This does not mean that all pregnant women will have a severe infection, but it is hard to predict who will become very ill.In past flu outbreaks, pregnant women who were otherwise healthy were more likely than those who were not pregnant to become very sick or even die.However, it is important to realize there are severe risks if you do not get treatment: You may be worried about the medicines harming your baby. A 75 mg capsule of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) twice per day for 5 days is the recommended first choice antiviral. It is best to start antiviral medicines within the first 48 hours of developing symptoms, but antivirals can also be used after this time period.Rapid tests are often available in urgent care clinics and provider's offices. Providers should not wait for results of testing before treating pregnant women. Testing is not needed for most people.If they last longer than 2 days, you should call your provider.Įxperts recommend treating pregnant women with flu-like illness as soon as possible after they develop symptoms. If side effects occur, they most often begin soon after the shot. Redness or tenderness where the shot was given.The CDC says pregnant women may get flu vaccines either with or without thimerosal.Ĭommon side effects of the flu vaccine are mild, but can include: All routine vaccines are also available without added thimerosal. If you have concerns about mercury, ask your provider about a preservative-free vaccine. Despite some concerns, vaccines that contain this substance have NOT been shown to cause autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is OK for a pregnant woman to be around somebody who has received the nasal flu vaccine.Ī small amount of mercury (called thimerosal) is a common preservative in multidose vaccines. The nasal spray-type flu vaccine is not approved for pregnant women.You cannot get the flu from this vaccine. The flu shot is recommended for pregnant women.There are two types of flu vaccines: the flu shot and a nose-spray vaccine. However, the flu vaccine can prevent the severe cases of the flu that can harm mother and baby.įlu vaccines are available at most provider offices and health clinics. Getting a mild case of the flu is often not harmful. Pregnant women who get the flu vaccine get sick less often. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers pregnant women at a higher risk for getting the flu and developing flu-related complications. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you should get the flu vaccine. SHOULD I GET THE FLU VACCINE IF I AM PREGNANT? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU DURING PREGNANCY?įlu symptoms are the same for everyone and include:
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