Catching the flu is dreadful–the fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea can be daunting. However, it is especially worse when you are pregnant. During pregnancy, the flu can be more severe since it can last three times as long and you are more likely to suffer from pneumonia.
This is due to the weakened immune system women have during pregnancy. Another serious possibility is the risk of preterm labor and delivery that the flu can lead to. The flu is not likely to hurt the unborn child, but it does not mean that certain health measures should not be taken to avoid it. Here are some tips for avoiding the flu and maintaining a healthy pregnancy:
The Flu Shot. Receiving a flu shot sooner rather than later is a smart move. The shot is usually available in the fall. Do note that it takes a few weeks for the immunity to set in, but once it does you will be protecting yourself, and your infant, from flu for up to six months. A Center for Disease Control and Prevention article confirms this, “CDC recommends pregnant women get a flu shot during any trimester of their pregnancy to protect themselves and their newborn babies from the flu.” However, the nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Know the symptoms. Before you are able to treat yourself, or a loved one for the flu, one must know what symptoms to watch for. The American Pregnancy Association informs readers that the symptoms may include a headache, running nose, fatigue, shortness of breath, sore throat, diarrhea/vomiting, body aches and chills/fever.
Avoid touching certain entryways and wash hands. Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands. Our hands come in constant contact with all sorts of germs: doorknobs, cups, handles, or any item others may have touched. You may think your hands are clean, however, with these circumstances, it is not always the case.
A March of Dimes article certifies the easy spreadof the virus through contact. It states, “The flu spreads easily from person to person. . . You can get infected with the flu if you breathe it in or if you touch something that has the flu virus on it and then touch your nose, eyes, or mouth.”
For this reason, we begin to understand the importance of hand washing. Washing your hands frequently, immediately before eating, after sneezing and after using the restroom are necessary for protecting your health. Be sure to use proper technique.
Clean surfaces often. During the flu season, be sure to wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant. An NHS article informs readers that the flu viruses that are capable of being transferred and causing infection can survive on hard surfaces for 24 hours. Regularly wipe down all surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, bedside tables, phones, remotes, and countertops.
If one were to contract the flu, treatment is straightforward.
Shelby Pauling is an Economics major, Mathematics minor student at Spelman College from Chicago, Illinois. When Shelby is not studying, she ignites her creative side by researching upcoming health and beauty trends. Shelby’s understanding for the importance of health literacy in the black community led her to join Spelman College’s NAACP Chapter and the Health Careers Club, where she indulges in conversations and community service activities focused on stimulating dialogue amongst her peers and local Atlanta residents.
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