Avoid Being Pregnant With The Flu

If you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant during the flu season, you should talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated with the influenza vaccine. The flu can cause serious complications and affects ten to twenty percent of the population of the United States every year. However, pregnant women are especially at risk for complications from the flu, including pneumonia and dehydration. If you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant during the flu season this year, here are some things that you need to know.

First of all, you must take extra precautions to avoid coming down with the flu if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. These simple precautions can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Taking the time to wash your hands frequently, at least once every hour, is one of the very best ways to avoid getting sick with the flu. Remember that the flu virus lives for hours on surfaces such as doorknobs, drinking fountains, counter tops and railings. When you know you will not be near a sink to wash your hands for a while, carry a small bottle of antibacterial alcohol based hand gel in your purse or pocket. While this is not as effective as washing your hands under running water with plenty of soap, it is certainly better than nothing.

Secondly, avoid being near people who are sick. This includes the waiting room of your doctor’s office. If you can avoid it, please do not spend time in waiting rooms or places where people tend to congregate in close quarters, such as churches and meeting rooms. If you must go into a waiting room, try to sit far from other people and do not handle the magazines or brochures that are out on the waiting room tables. People often forget that magazines, books, and brochures are just as capable of harboring the flu virus as any other surface. Make sure you wash your hands when you leave the waiting area or doctor’s office and do not touch your face, eyes, or mouth while you are there.

Also, your family members should receive the flu vaccine, even if your doctor advises you not to receive it. Preventing your family members from getting the flu greatly reduces your risk of contracting the virus while you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Family members should also cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and practice good hand washing. This is important even after they receive their flu vaccines, because they can still carry the flu virus into your home on their hands even if they do not become ill with the flu themselves.

Finally, if you do contract the flu while you are pregnant, see your doctor as soon as you can. Do not take any over the counter remedies or herbal products without checking with your obstetrician first. Remember, just because something is safe to sell over the counter does not necessarily mean it is safe to take during pregnancy.