Managing the FLU in pregnant women
THE flu causes much discomfort to most people, and depending on its severity it may even be accompanied by some level of pain. But Dr Keisha Buchanan, obstetrician-gynaecologist at ICON Medical Centre, said for pregnant women the flu can be potentially dangerous, not just for the woman but for her foetus as well.
“In pregnancy, the immune system is suppressed, making the mother more prone to respiratory infections and infections in general. Changes in the body, such as the lung capacity getting smaller, also encourage breathing problems when she contracts the flu and other infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia and sepsis (a generalised infection),” Dr Buchanan warned.
Additionally, she noted that as a consequence of breathing challenges, the heart rate is elevated and the heart has to work harder during pregnancy.
“Cardiac dysfunction is more likely to ensue due to greater strain on the heart. Rarely, a myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) can occur, contributing to dysfunction of the heart,” she explained.
Dr Buchanan also noted that the flu can increase the risk of miscarriage, poor growth of the foetus, premature labour and premature birth. She said a mild case of the flu does not pose risks, but care must be taken to ensure that it does not become unmanageable at home.
Manageability is increased when there is an immediate response to flu symptoms which are usually presented as coughing, runny nose, fatigue, headache, lethargy, vomiting, sore throat, poor appetite, weight loss and poor weight gain. Also, the woman may experience difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness which could be a sign of the development of pneumonia, repetitive vomiting, decreased foetal movements and contractions of the abdomen, which could be a sign of serious complications. Severe symptoms, Dr Buchanan warned, require immediate medical attention.
And while symptoms in most cases are not severe, Dr Buchanan advised pregnant mothers to take extra precautions to ensure they don’t get the flu.
“General hygiene habits are important such as washing the hands properly, avoiding those who have the flu virus, adequate rest and exercise and proper nutrition to boost the immune system. They also want to take multivitamins and importantly, consider getting the flu vaccine preferably in October prior to the flu season,” Dr Buchanan advised.
She said the flu vaccine triggers the development of antibodies that prevent the mother from getting the flu. This vaccine is safe in pregnancy and it crosses the placenta to the foetus and protects the baby from getting the flu for the first six weeks after birth. The antibodies also appear in the breast milk and help to protect the baby.
Where prevention isn’t possible, however, there is medication available to relieve and aid in recovery for the mother.
“Treatment includes adequate hydration, analgesics for pain relief such as acetaminophen; the latter relieves fever, joint pains and headaches. Decongestants may be beneficial also. Antivirals, when started within 48 hours of the onset of the flu, may shorten the duration and prevent it from becoming complicated. Antibiotics are given if there is a superimposed bacterial infection such as a throat, sinus or lung infection,” Dr Buchanan shared.
