Influenza, which is common in winter, affects many people’s lives negatively and puts the baby’s health at risk during pregnancy. During pregnancy, influenza is more severe than normal due to the suppression of the immune system and takes longer. Influenza is transmitted by human-to-human contact through droplet passage. The typical incubation period of the disease is 1-4 days. In adults, the symptoms remain contagious 1 day before onset and 5 days after onset.
Influenza can be transferred from mother to baby
Physiological changes during pregnancy, heart rate, blood pumping, oxygen consumption, lung capacity and immune system increase the risk of flu-related complications. A mother who is caught with the flu in late pregnancy has a high risk of passing her postnatal disease to her baby.
Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy
The only and most effective way to prevent serious flu-related complications is influenza vaccine. Antibodies that develop in the mother after the vaccination will pass on to some babies and protect her against the flu in the first months of her life. Since the flu vaccine does not contain any live viruses, it is also safe to use it during pregnancy.
The flu vaccine can also be administered safely to nursing mothers. The vaccine is inoculated by the arm as intramuscular injection. It is recommended that mothers should have the flu vaccine in the second and third months of their pregnancy. Although the flu vaccine is safe in every period of pregnancy, it is more appropriate to avoid the use of medication and to have the vaccine administered at the end of this period
Precautions to Prevent Lighter Flu During Pregnancy
- Antibiotics should not be used unless there is a bacterial infection.
- It is important not to catch the disease rather than treatment. For this reason, during outbreak periods, not to stay in closed places and washing hands frequently can be protective.
- The best and most effective supportive treatment is bed rest. Keeping the head up while lying down (sleeping with 2 or more pillows) will also reduce the discomfort of nasal discharge.
- Care must be taken that the environment is sufficiently hot and well ventilated.
- The air should be prevented from drying out and should be provided to be moist.
- Adequate fluid intake is extremely important.
- Nutrition should be considered during illness periods and if there is an appetite, carbohydrate-rich diet should be applied in order to meet the energy need.
- Lozenges can be used to relieve sore throat.
- Salt or ocean water may be used for nasal congestion.
- When symptoms disappear, normal activity should not be resumed immediately and resting should be continued for a full recovery.
Do Not Waste Time Applying For A Doctor
Influenza in pregnancy sometimes can create serious pictures. If the temperature exceeds 38.5 ° C for a long time, if there is difficulty in breathing, chest pain occurs, severe ear pain, discharge and bleeding from the ear, rash and redness, nuchal rigidity and chronic cough should be consulted.