The Flu and Pregnancy Complications

With Influenza season fast approaching as well as the swine flu pandemic that’s upon us, it’s only natural for you to want to know what sort of pregnancy complications can occur should you catch a strain of the flu. As it stands, your unborn baby is safe from the flu while in the womb even if you should get sick. What is still not known is whether or not the same applies to the H1N1 flu (swine flu). Since this particular strain is still very new, doctors don’t know all that much about it as far as it’s effects on an unborn baby and it’s links to pregnancy complications.

What We Do Know About the Flu and Pregnancy

We already know that our priority should always be to keep our immune systems as strong as possible in order to help protect us from the various strains of the flu that are out there as well as other illnesses. Keeping healthy becomes even more of a priority when you’re caring for you as well as your unborn baby. This begins with regular check ups and making sure that you live as healthy a lifestyle as possible. A well balanced diet, keeping active and prenatal vitamins are all tools that can keep you healthy and better prepared to fight flu, including the swine flu.

Keeping the Flu Away When Pregnant

The best way to stay healthy during influenza season and during this swine flu pandemic is to do what you’re mama always told you;

•    Wash your hands often and thoroughly. By thoroughly it is recommended that you wash with soap for as long as it takes you to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song. Odd maybe, but helpful nonetheless!

•    Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze using a tissue or the back of your arm.

•    Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because this is the most common way for viruses to spread.

•    Avoid contact with anyone who is displaying any flu symptoms.

•    Have any symptoms such as fever, cough, malaise and stomach upset checked by a physician.

•    Keep all common surfaces clean and disinfected. Common surfaces include kitchen counters, door knobs, key boards, table tops, etc.

Using extra diligence during this time is your best defense when it comes to avoiding pregnancy complications from the flu. Get those around you to be just as diligent and you’ll have your best possible chance at making through flu season and even the swine flu pandemic without any problems.