Flu and Pregnancy - Potential Complications to Consider

Combined, the flu and pregnancy may allow certain conditions to develop which can be very serious for the expectant mother and her unborn child. The CDC has included pregnant women in the group of high risk individuals to contract seasonal flu. Furthermore, the CDC states that some potential complications high-risk individuals may develop from seasonal flu may include sinus infections, dehydration, ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, and potential worsening of chronic medical conditions which may include diabetes, asthma, or congestive heart failure.¹

Flu and Pregnancy - The Best Defense is Avoidance
Pregnant women should take extra precautions to help them avoid contact with seasonal flu. According to the CDC, a series of good health habits may be the best line of defense against contracting seasonal flu. These habits include the following:

• Clean your hands often - use anti-bacterial soaps and wipes to avoid picking up any unwanted germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands. These areas are typically how the flu virus enters your body.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Hopefully, others around you will do the same.
• Stay at home, whenever possible, if you feel flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick with seasonal flu.

These good health habits help keep the flu from spreading to others, including pregnant women, who are at high risk of contracting the flu virus.²

Flu and pregnancy should not be taken lightly. The complications that may develop can be very serious and even lead to life-threatening conditions. Pregnant women who feel like they are experiencing flu-like symptoms should see their physician immediately to have a QuickVue® Influenza A+B Test administered. This flu test provides results within 10 minutes and can assist the physician with diagnosis and treatment options.

¹http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

²http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm