Cold and Flu Season in Pregnancy

The respiratory tract is especially prone to infection and viruses during pregnancy. Read on and learn how you can treat cold, flu and sinusitis safely as the flu season strikes again.

What appears as normal illness for most may hit pregnant mums harder. Flu symptoms such as runny nose, fever, sore throat and body aches may persist 3 times longer. The influenza virus can also cause chest infections that require hospitalisation.

High fever during the first trimester increases the risk of spina bifida. So, try to keep your temperature down with panadol or cold sponging.

Treatment for Flu

Leave self-medicating for another time; taking the wrong medicine during pregnancy may harm your developing baby. Instead, let your doctor prescribe pregnancy-safe medication.

Colds are common affliction to watch out for in pregnant women. It can lead to sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) which causes stuffy nose, headache and loss of smell. You’re prone to sinusitis when pregnant as the pregnancy hormones swell mucous membranes.

Treatment for Sinusitis

Most sinusitis are caused by viruses or allergies. For serious bacterial sinusitis, you need safe antibiotic. For viral or allergy-triggered sinusitis, you may use nasal sprays or decongestant.

Get Vaccinated

Updated yearly, flu vaccine are recommended for pregnant women. The vaccine is baby safe and so don’t worry.

Maintain Hygiene

To ward off germs, carry a hand sanitiser or alcohol wipes while you’re out and use them often for good hand hygiene. If a friend or  family member is sick, do wear a face mask for protection. Partner down with the flu? Consider sleeping in separate room until he recovers.

Boost Your Defences

Eating fruits rich in vitamin C or zinc boosts your immune system. Meanwhile, hydrate to keep your mucous membranes moist to fight off germs. Remember to have adequate sleep too.