First…
It’s strongly recommended that pregnant women get the flu shot. The flu vaccine is safe throughout pregnancy and is the first step to protecting you and your baby from it.
Of course even if you get the vaccine it is still possible to get the flu so make sure to get plenty of rest and use your frequent trips to the bathroom to wash your hands often throughout the day.
Second…
If you think you have the flu contact your doctor right away. Most healthy adults with the flu become mildly ill, and start to feel better in 7 to 10 days. However, if you catch the flu early, your doctor can prescribe an antiviral medicine, such as Tamiflu. Tamiflu has been shown to shorten the duration of flu symptoms and has also been shown to be safe during pregnancy.
Lastly…
Learn how to safely treat symptoms of the flu.
According to Motherrisk:
- Decongestants, like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, are considered safe when taken for a few days—no more than a week.
- Dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant commonly found in over the counter cold medications has no association with usage and an increased risk of birth defects.
- Antihistamines (such as brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, hydroxyzine and pheniramine) have shown no increase in the likelihood of birth defects when used at any point in pregnancy.
- Ibuprofen (Advil) taken in low doses and only during the first trimester has no overall increase in the risk of major malformations during the first trimester.
- Nasal sprays are considered relatively safe when used under the direction of a doctor, but shouldn’t be taken longer than three days.
- Stay hydrated with warm beverages. “A study from Cardiff University in Britain showed that warm beverages provide relief from a runny nose, a cough, sneezing, a sore throat, chills and tiredness compared with drinks that are room temperature.”
These are a few ways to ease your symptoms but always consult with your doctor. And of course rest.