Influenza, commonly referred to as “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications, especially for vulnerable population groups such as pregnant women.

Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy. In this article, we will explore the impact of the influenza virus on pregnant women and how to prevent and treat the illness.

Risks of the Flu for Pregnant Women

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu infections in pregnant women can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death.

The flu can also have serious consequences for the developing fetus, including premature labor, low birth weight, and fetal distress. Studies have shown that pregnant women who contract the flu are also at an increased risk of developing pneumonia and other secondary infections.

Preventing the Flu During Pregnancy

The best way to prevent the flu during pregnancy is through getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe for pregnant women and has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related illness and complications.

Pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine as early in the flu season as possible, even if they have received the vaccine in previous years.

Other prevention strategies include:.

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Staying home if you are feeling sick

Treating the Flu During Pregnancy

If you do contract the flu during pregnancy, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can help reduce the severity of the illness if given within 48 hours of symptom onset. These medications are safe for pregnant women and have been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

Other treatment strategies include:.

Getting plenty of rest
Drinking plenty of fluids
Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and relieve pain

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Pregnant women with flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention if they experience any of the following:.

Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Seizures
Significant decrease in fetal movement

These symptoms may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as pneumonia, and require immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

The influenza virus can have serious consequences for pregnant women and their developing fetuses. Prevention is key in avoiding the flu during pregnancy, and the flu vaccine is the most effective method of prevention.

If you do contract the flu, seeking medical attention and taking antiviral medications within 48 hours can help reduce the severity of the illness. Pregnant women should also be aware of the symptoms of more serious complications and seek emergency medical attention if necessary.