Special Concerns Regarding Pregnancy and Flu

Pregnancy and flu can be a dangerous combination. Women who are pregnant and think they are experiencing flu-like symptoms should see their doctors. According to the CDC, pregnant women may have a high risk of developing complications if they contract seasonal flu. Some of these complications may include bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or congestive heart failure.¹

Pregnancy and Flu - The Common Cold or Seasonal Flu?
Many of the symptoms that appear at the onset of the flu and continue throughout the illness are very similar to those of the common cold. Some of the symptoms may include: coughing, headaches, sore throat, body aches, and a runny nose.¹

For pregnant women, and other high-risk individuals, who are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to see their doctor as soon as possible. A physician may administer a flu test to help determine if the patient has the flu. The QuickVue® Influenza A+B Test is used to aid in the diagnosis, within 10 minutes, if a patient has Influenza type A and/or type B. The QuickVue flu test is available at doctors offices, hospitals and urgent care facilities worldwide and is a great way to assist physicians in diagnosing seasonal flu.

Pregnancy and Flu - Avoiding Contact with the Flu Virus
There are several good health habits a pregnant woman can take to help protect herself from contracting the flu virus. The CDC recommends the following to help stop the spread of germs:

Avoid contact with anyone who is known to be sick
Stay at home, when possible, if you are feeling symptoms common to the flu
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Clean your hands often with anti-bacterial soap or anti-bacterial wipes
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands

Observing these good habits are important for pregnant women because they are at a higher risk to develop complications if they do contract the flu.² Pregnant women who feel flu-like symptoms should see their physician as soon as possible so their doctor can prescribe the appropriate form of treatment if seasonal flu is present.

¹http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

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