Flu during pregnancy: what to do and how to treat?

The dangers of a cold are often underestimated, and the flu during pregnancy can cause serious damage to an unborn baby. The body of women in this position is weakened because it has to take care of two people at once. The immune system works with renewed vigor, despite regular intake of vitamin complexes. Every pregnant woman should know that using conventional medications is not recommended, because they can harm the fetus.

Flu is an infection, a virus, and should not be treated carelessly. At the first signs, you need to consult a doctor.

If you feel a sore throat, general malaise and runny nose, you need to prevent the development of the disease in the bud.

In this case, the question urgently arises of how to treat influenza during pregnancy.

Self-medication is dangerous, but a specialist will prescribe a set of procedures and medications that will quickly destroy the infection and will not harm the baby.

Flu - main symptoms

The flu manifests itself after a very short incubation period. It lasts for several hours, but sometimes it takes 1-2 days. The symptoms of the disease are similar to many colds:

• acute onset with temperature from 39 C to 40 C;
• muscle aches;
• nasal congestion;
• pain in the eyes;
• cough;
• red throat.

However, the flu also has several characteristic external signs:

• Sharp pallor of the face, against which the cheeks glow with blush;
• The lips and nasolabial triangle become bluish;
• The face takes on a puffy appearance.

The elevated temperature usually lasts for two days, and then begins to subside. Somewhere during the same period a runny nose appears. The patient suffers from headaches and muscle pain. There may also be nausea and vomiting, and sleep loss at night.

After the temperature drops, when it seems that the patient is getting better, another wave of exacerbation is possible. The fever may return again within a couple of days.

Causes and routes of transmission of the influenza virus

Influenza is caused by influenza viruses A, B and C. This virus is prone to mutations, especially type A, as a result of which its structure and set of genetic material constantly changes. This variability of the pathogen leads to the emergence of more and more new serotypes, so patients do not develop immunity.

The influenza virus primarily affects the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. The main route of transmission is airborne, sometimes through household contact - through objects used by the patient, hands contaminated with nasal discharge, saliva or sputum.

The virus damages epithelial cells, multiplies and is sent into the blood.

In the later stages of pregnancy, the woman’s body is slightly exhausted with reduced immunity. As a consequence, pregnant women are more prone to various infections, including influenza. In addition, the fair sex during pregnancy is a risk group for the occurrence of severe forms and complications of influenza.

Influenza infection significantly reduces the body's resistance, disrupts the functioning of the endocrine and immune systems, which can lead to an exacerbation of chronic pathology. Promotes the activation of chronic diseases before and after the birth of a child.

How to treat flu during pregnancy - features

During pregnancy, treatment of influenza with medications should be approached with caution. Even some herbal teas can have undesirable effects on fetal development.

A pregnant woman with the flu can be treated at home. She needs bed rest and plenty of fluids containing vitamin C. It is also necessary to ensure frequent ventilation of the room where the patient lies and wet cleaning.

At high temperatures, only paracetamol is allowed as an antipyretic. Take it according to the instructions, do not exceed the daily dose. Pregnant women are prohibited from drinking mixtures containing alcohol. All tinctures of immunostimulants lead to increased blood pressure and increased heart rate, which increases the load on the fetal vascular system.

Symptoms

The first signs of infection with the influenza virus are headache, runny nose, sore throat and general malaise. As the disease progresses rapidly, the following symptoms appear:

• heat;
• aches throughout the body;
• joint pain;
• painful sensations in the nasopharynx;
• lack of appetite;
• weakness;
• headache.

In some cases, migraine attacks may occur.

As complications develop, new symptoms appear:

• a dry or wet cough appears;
• dry skin;
• high sweating;
• diarrhea and abdominal pain;
• disturbances in the functioning of the heart.

At the first symptoms of the development of the virus in the body of a pregnant woman, you should immediately contact a leading gynecologist.

Use of vasoconstrictor drugs

It is also necessary to use nasal drops when a runny nose appears only according to the instructions and no longer than the specified period. It is better to use them as little as possible. Firstly, the blood supply to the fetus may be disrupted if vasoconstrictor drops enter the arteries of the placenta through the mother's blood. This can happen if you drip them too often and in large quantities.

Secondly, it is possible that dependence on the drug may occur with frequent use and this will require even more of it. You also need to take into account that pregnant women may have a stuffy nose throughout the entire 9 months. That is, during pregnancy, vasomotor rhinitis occurs, and after childbirth, normal breathing is restored.

Prevention

Pregnant women are more likely to become infected compared to other people, since the immunity of such women is often weakened. It is known that influenza epidemics can be predicted because they occur in a certain period of time (autumn, spring). Therefore, doctors advise getting a flu shot before an epidemic occurs. It is considered safe for children because modern vaccinations contain inactivated (killed) influenza virus. An exception is made for women whose pregnancy does not exceed 14 weeks - they should not receive a flu vaccine. In addition, no flu vaccine can guarantee that a person will definitely not get this disease. The possibility of contracting the virus, even in a mild form, exists. This is a good reason to increase your immunity through hardening, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and physical activity.

To prevent the disease, many doctors advise lubricating the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment before going out into public places. In the evening, before going to bed, rinse your mouth with tincture of eucalyptus or calendula, which will wash away harmful microbes accumulated during the day.

Especially for beremennost.net – Elena Kichak

Vitamin therapy for influenza

Treatment of influenza in pregnant women is not complete without taking vitamins. The expectant mother already has an increased need for them. But you cannot increase the dose of vitamins on your own. It is better to consult with your therapist about this. Otherwise, you can cause hypervitaminosis. For example, an increase in vitamin A in the body in the first weeks of pregnancy will lead to malformations. If at the last stage you go overboard with vitamins C and D, this will cause aging of the placenta. The most acceptable option would be to consume fresh berries, fruits and juices from them. This way the body will take all the necessary vitamins without excess.

What are the consequences of the disease during pregnancy?

No matter how much you would like to answer differently, the consequences of suffering from the flu can be very different, and not a single doctor can tell you with 100% certainty whether the disease has affected the development of the child or not. One has only to note that the flu is most dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy, up to 12 weeks. This is the period of laying the organs and tissues of the future baby, which is why it is so important that pregnancy at this time proceeds favorably. In subsequent periods, the child is just growing and the flu will no longer affect the structure of organs and tissues. If the flu does have a negative impact on the development of the child in the womb, then, most often, no matter how sad it may be, the pregnancy is terminated. If, after the flu, pregnancy proceeds smoothly and without complications, as evidenced by normal test results and ultrasound (it shows whether everything is okay with the baby and placenta), then there is nothing to worry about, and everything is fine with the baby.

Cough with flu in pregnant women

In the initial period, when sputum has not yet been coughed up, herbs are used to soften and relieve inflammation in the respiratory tract. Suitable herbs include chamomile, trifoliate, sage, linden blossom and plantain. Decoctions of these plants are drunk and inhaled.

Gradually, the cough becomes wet, sputum leaves and switches to herbs that have an astringent and expectorant effect. These include: wild rosemary and thermopsis herbs, licorice root, lingonberry leaf, snakeweed, and string.

You can also use herbal medicines for coughs.

How does infection occur?

The flu virus does not appear because you have a cold or because you forgot to wear a scarf. In order to become infected with the flu, you must be in contact with someone who already has the disease. The flu has several varieties and all of them spread very quickly through airborne droplets and infect humans. Unlike other infectious diseases, you do not develop immunity to the flu. That is, if you get the flu once, this does not mean that you will no longer be affected by this disease. The influenza virus is constantly changing, and new varieties are emerging. The influenza A virus is considered the most dangerous and is the most common cause of influenza epidemics. The influenza B virus changes little, and the influenza C virus does not change at all.

The likelihood of infection for the expectant mother increases sharply in the third trimester - during this period her body is most susceptible to any infections. If you believe the statistics, acute respiratory viral infections in pregnant women occur with a frequency of 55 to 82%, and in many cases the infection is very severe and is accompanied by serious complications. As a result of exposure to viral toxins, the body’s ability to resist pathogenic microorganisms is reduced, the functioning of the immune and endocrine systems is disrupted, and relapses of chronic diseases occur - pyelonephritis, arthritis, tonsillitis, etc.

Throat treatment

For a red throat, rinse with a solution of soda or furatsilin. Take 10 g (teaspoon) of soda per 200 ml glass of water. Furacilin solution can be ready-made in a pharmacy or diluted at the rate of 4 tablets per 4 glasses of water. You can use herbal decoctions. Here are some recipes:

• Sage decoction with milk. Brew a tablespoon of herb with milk (1 glass). You need to let it simmer for 10 minutes over low heat, strain the liquid, boil it again and remove it immediately. Drink before bed.
• For rinsing, prepare an infusion of sage, eucalyptus and birch leaf (3:2:1). Use a tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water. It should be left for 20 minutes.
• These 2 collections are infused longer - at least an hour. The first consists of St. John's wort, the color of raspberry, rowan and linden, and lingonberry leaves. For the second, take horsetail, raspberry leaves or stems and immortelle flowers. All components for the collection are taken equally.

Infusions for rinsing should be used warm.

How does the flu affect a baby?

The damaging abilities of the influenza virus are explained by the peculiarities of its biology: high toxicity and predominant localization in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Penetrating into the body through the upper respiratory tract, the virus settles on the surface of the nasopharynx, begins to multiply intensively and release toxins, which spread through the bloodstream to all organs and systems. With maternal blood, the virus penetrates the placenta, and then into the fetal circulatory system. The negative impact of the influenza pathogen on the baby’s growing body largely depends on the timing of pregnancy. First trimester Influenza suffered by the expectant mother in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the formation of the baby’s internal organs, is accompanied by particularly severe consequences. The virus can not only cause serious developmental defects (primarily the central nervous system), but even cause intrauterine fetal death. II and III trimester The influenza virus is no longer so dangerous to the life and health of the child, but can still lead to various disorders: hypoxia of the fetus, decreased immunity, pathologies of the respiratory system, and also create a threat of termination of pregnancy. The influenza virus also has a damaging effect on the placenta, resulting in disruption of placental blood circulation, which requires additional treatment. If this complication was not promptly identified and eliminated, then oligohydramnios, as well as fetal growth restriction syndrome, may develop over time.

Other safe remedies for flu during pregnancy

Homeopathic remedies are considered absolutely safe for pregnant women. They are used at the first signs of a cold and for preventive purposes. Honey is a good helper in the treatment of respiratory infections. But it is not recommended for expectant mothers in the second half of the term, as the baby may develop an allergy.

When a runny nose begins, a hot bath for your hands and dry warmth to your feet and throat will help. Under no circumstances should you use hot herbal baths or local foot baths with mustard during pregnancy. In these cases, there is a danger of reflex contraction of the uterus and, accordingly, premature birth.

Flu in the third trimester

Flu in the third trimester of pregnancy is no longer considered so dangerous. Even if a pregnant woman is sick with the flu, she can safely be prescribed various medications. Often, to avoid complications, specialists prescribe penicillin-based antibiotics.

But there is still a risk of complications. First of all, this includes the development of oxygen deficiency in the fetus, premature aging of the placenta or early birth. But the woman and baby can be protected from such consequences. It is enough to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations.

Flu prevention

One of the means of preventing influenza is vaccination. It is held in mid-autumn. However, developers are making a vaccine only against one, the most likely strain of the virus in a given season. If another type of virus enters the body, the vaccine will not save you. Pregnant women are allowed to get vaccinated only after 14 weeks.

Therefore, in addition to vaccination, it is worth strengthening the immune system through proper nutrition and regimen, and exercise. To minimize the risk of infection, you can follow simple rules:

• During the cold period, visit places where a lot of people gather as little as possible;
• if it is impossible to complete the first point, use a protective mask in crowded places;
• multivitamins and homeopathic remedies will increase the body's resistance;
• Be sure to wash your hands with soap after every trip to the street and visiting public places;
• lubricate the nose with oxolinic ointment before going outside;
• When you come home from the street, gargle with a decoction of calendula or eucalyptus.

Timely prevention is much better than treating the flu during pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment of influenza in pregnant women is carried out at home. But self-medication is strictly prohibited, as the consequences can be disastrous. Many women wonder what pregnant women can do against the flu.

Therapy consists of the following simple steps:

1. Strictly bed rest. Be sure to regularly ventilate the room where the patient is. It is advisable to maintain an interval of 1 hour. It is also very important to constantly wet clean the room. The patient must treat the dishes with boiling water and do not give food from them to children and other relatives.
2. Flu and pregnancy are a significant weakening of the body. That is why it is necessary to provide a rational, balanced diet. The diet should be rich in vitamins and complete. Doctors recommend including fermented milk products in your diet. If a woman does not have swelling, then drinking plenty of fruit drinks, compotes, and fruit juices is recommended. Drinking will help remove all accumulated waste and toxins from the body.
3. If the question arises about what pregnant women can do if they have the flu, then the safest remedy is Paracetamol. The drug is indicated for severe pain in the head and muscles, as well as for temperatures above 38 degrees. But the drug should not be abused. Use only every 4-6 hours. There should be a maximum of 4 doses per day. Also, do not forget that high temperature contributes to the death of the influenza pathogen.
4. If your throat starts to hurt, it is recommended to gargle it with Furacilin solution. The product is sold at the pharmacy, and before use it is diluted with warm water in a ratio of 1 to 1. You can also make the solution yourself. To do this, take 4 tablets of the medication and add 800 ml of liquid. Wait until they are completely dissolved and begin rinsing procedures. Sessions are also carried out using solutions with the addition of soda. Add a small spoon of soda to a glass of water.

But under no circumstances should you prescribe medication on your own. Hospitalization of pregnant women is indicated in especially severe cases:

• in the presence of complications such as pneumonia, damage to the nervous system;
• in the presence of aggravated concomitant diseases such as pyelonephritis, cardiovascular pathologies and others;
• in the absence of the opportunity to carry out therapy and provide proper care at home.

In all other cases, treatment is carried out at home.

Antiviral agents

All antivirus products are usually divided into the following groups:

1. Chemical . This group includes Acyclovir, Zanamivir.
2. Interferons . These are special proteins that are produced by cells of the immune system. They provide a response to the invasion of pathogens into the body. The best remedy in this group is the drug Viferon.
3. Homeopathic medicines . This group includes Anaferon, Oscillococcinum. Homeopathy involves the use of a highly diluted active ingredient. This area of ​​medicine belongs to non-traditional methods of treatment. But these are the safest medications that are used even for the prevention of influenza and ARVI.

Only after examining the patient and her condition will the doctor be able to draw up a competent and appropriate treatment regimen. Otherwise, you can harm the baby.

The most pressing question is how to treat influenza in pregnant women. Antibacterial drugs are not used as they affect bacteria. For influenza, it is advisable to use antiviral agents.

The following medications are allowed during pregnancy:

1. Viferon . Actively fights influenza pathogens. The medication stimulates the flow of immune cells to the area affected by the disease. Pregnant women can also take this drug as a prophylactic drug.
2. Anaferon . This is a medication related to interferons. It is widely used by pregnant women for influenza, and can also be used for preventive purposes. Before starting therapy, consult your doctor.
3. Oscillococcinum . This is a homeopathic remedy made only from natural ingredients. It has a less obvious effect, but is absolutely safe for both the expectant mother and the child.
4. Tamiflu . It is used in the treatment of certain strains of influenza pathogens in pregnant women. The drug is indicated only if it is impossible to cope with the disease without taking it.

Only a doctor can prescribe this or that medication during pregnancy, since any drug has its own list of contraindications.

Cough preparations

If a pregnant woman develops a cough during the flu, then the question of how to treat the flu during pregnancy immediately becomes relevant. Not all sprays and aerosols are absolutely safe for pregnant women. Many medications can harm the health of the fetus, so you should consult a gynecologist and therapist about taking medications.

If the cough is wet and productive, then expectorants are indicated. If it is barking and dry, then bronchodilators are prescribed. If a girl gets the flu during pregnancy, she is allowed to take the following medications:

1. Sprays for painful sensations in the throat Ingalipt and Hexoral. Hexoral contains antiseptic components that fight the acute inflammatory process. The product is used for three days. The second remedy contains oils that fight pain. It has antiphlogistic and antimicrobial effects.
2. Spray Miramistin. They have an inhibitory effect on microbes, viruses, and support local immunity. Treat the throat with this drug three times a day.

The best way to combat discomfort in the throat is inhalation. But during manipulations, only safe substances are allowed to be used. Borjomi pharmaceutical water and saline solution are excellent. It is not recommended to add herbs to the inhalation solution.

Medicines for a runny nose

During illness, a woman’s condition worsens significantly due to constant congestion of the nasal passages. The patient does not have enough air to breathe, she cannot walk quickly or lie down for very long. This condition also has a negative impact on the baby. Much less oxygen begins to pass through the placenta.

It is for these reasons that you should not treat a runny nose during pregnancy negligently. This symptom requires close attention. For a speedy correction during treatment of influenza during pregnancy, doctors prescribe the following medications:

1. Solutions for rinsing the nasal passages . AquaMaris, Salin, saline solution, Dolphin are excellent. Constant use of medications will speed up the process of mucus removal, eliminate stagnation and reduce swelling of the mucous membranes.
2. Ointments, the main component of which is mint or eucalyptus . They are used for application to the wings of the nose and the bridge of the nose. Apply with light massaging movements.
3. Juices of medicinal plants . They can provoke allergic reactions, so you should first consult a therapist. Aloe copes well with the problem of a runny nose. It is diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1 to 1. Apply the resulting product to the nose, 2 drops three times a day.

To prevent the process from developing into sinusitis, the bridge of the nose must be warmed up. To do this, doctors advise taking warm sand placed in socks. This will avoid negative effects and burns.

Vasoconstrictor drops during pregnancy are prescribed only in the most severe cases. Usually indicated if a woman has obvious swelling and otitis media has begun. This raises the question of what to do when a pregnant woman gets the flu, and what vasoconstrictor drops can be used. The doctor takes into account the duration of pregnancy, age, and severity of the disease.

Only after this can children's Nazivin, Nazol Baby, and Tizin for children be prescribed. It is these flu medications for pregnant women that contain the least amount of vasoconstrictor components. With prolonged use, such substances lead to oxygen starvation in the baby.