The Risks Regarding Pregnancy and the Flu

Pregnancy and the flu can be a serious combination. According to the CDC, among those at high risk, to not only contract the flu but have complications as a result of contracting the virus, are pregnant women. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. ¹

Pregnancy and the Flu - How is the Flu Different Than a Cold?
Many of the symptoms of the common cold are similar to symptoms of seasonal flu Including: coughing, headaches, sore throat, body aches and a runny nose.¹

For pregnant women who experience the symptoms listed above, their doctor may choose to administer a flu test to help determine if their symptoms are flu or the common cold. The QuickVue® Influenza A+B Test can also help determine, within 10 minutes, whether or not an individual has Influenza type A and/or type B. QuickVue flu tests are available at doctors offices and urgent care facilities across America.²

Pregnancy and the Flu - How to Avoid Contact with the Flu?
The CDC recommends following these good health habits to aid in the prevention of influenza and the spreading of germs:

Avoid contact with anyone who is known to be sick
Stay at home if you are feeling any symptoms of the flu, when at all possible
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Clean your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

It is especially important for those at a higher risk of contracting influenza, such as pregnant women, to practice these good health habits.³

If a pregnant woman gets the flu, it is important that she see her doctor. Her physician may choose to administer the QuickVue flu test to verify if she actually has flu. From there, she will be advised by her doctor as to what she should be doing to get over the illness.

¹http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

²http://www.flutest.com/flu-facts/

³http:www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm