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Beat colds and flu
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The flu virus itself does not pose any risk to you or your unborn baby during pregnancy. But, because of the extra load on your body, it's more likely to develop into something more serious, like pneumonia. So don't ignore it.
Article: Karin Schmidt from Your Pregnancy magazine
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, resulting in infection and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. You'll know you've got full-blown flu when a runny nose is accompanied by fever, coughing, headache, body aches and inflamed mucus membranes. The best way to prevent flu is to follow a healthy diet (a variety of foods of different colours, textures and tastes) and have an adequate intake of folic acid and iron (green leafy vegetables, yeast, red meats, egg yolk and prunes). Smoking makes you more prone to flu as it irritates the mucus membranes and negatively affects the mobility of the cilia that remove phlegm from the lungs.

Safe medication
Pain and fever Paracetamol is the drug of choice in all three trimesters but it should only be used for acute pain and for a limited period. High doses over an extended time may have toxic effects on the foetus.

Nasal congestion Decongestant nasal sprays, such as oxymetazoline may be used, but not for longer than five days. Metered sprays are preferred over drops where there is a risk of taking too much. Self-medication with oral decongestants is not recommended – rather get a prescription from your doctor.

Antibiotics As viruses cause colds and flu, the progress of the illness would not be affected by antibiotics. But your doctor may decide to prescribe an antibiotic to prevent secondary infections. Take care to ask about the simultaneous use of lactobacillus capsules to prevent candida vaginal infection, which should always be effectively treated during pregnancy.

Treating the symptoms
If you get a cold or fu, make sure you keep warm. Bedrest is recommended as soon as you come down with flu and up to 48 hours after your temperature has returned to normal. Drinking plenty of liquids will help flush out the virus and prevent dehydration due to fever.

Eat frequent light meals. Steam moisturises a dry throat, slows down the reproduction of the virus in the throat area and promotes drainage of nasal secretions. You can add inhalants, such as Olbas, Carvel or Eucalyptus to clear congestion. Sleep with a humidifier on in your bedroom at night or make a funnel with a magazine, hold over your nose and mouth and inhale.

Other possible risks
Excessive deep coughing could cause an irritable uterus or flu-like symptoms could be preliminary to a multitude of illnesses such as chickenpox or malaria.

Throat soothers and decongestants

  • Tea made from fresh ginger (not too strong)
  • Honey and lemon tea
  • Gargle with one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
  • Throat lozenges should be fine but check with your doctor
  • Do a nasal douche with 1tsp bicarbonate of soda and 1tsp sugar in warm water.

    What about the flu vaccine?
    It can only administered in the second or third trimester and would only be recommended for people with chronic diseases, such as asthma and heart conditions, people with a suppressed immune systems (HIV infected women need to confirm with their doctor), health workers exposed to viruses or helpers in old age homes or other institutions. It is NOT recommended if you're in the first trimester, you have an egg allergy, you're already ill or if it had an adverse effect with you previously.


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