Health Tip: If You Get the Flu While Pregnant

(HealthDay News) -- The flu may be dangerous enough, but it's even more of a threat for women who are pregnant.

All women should get the annual flu vaccine, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises.

If you do develop the flu while pregnant, the CDC suggests:

  • Begin treatment as soon as possible. Antiviral drugs work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms.
  • Antiviral drugs may diminish symptoms, make you feel better faster and help prevent serious complications for you and baby.
  • Your doctor may suggest taking oral oseltamivir, which has been studied thoroughly.
  • Fever during pregnancy has been linked to increased risk of birth defects. So if you develop a fever, contact your doctor immediately.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    FDA Approves First Nasal Spray to Curb Anaphylaxis, An Alternative to Injections

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    There's Still Confusion on How to Spot, Treat Severe Allergic Reactions

    Dangerous Allergies? An Expert Gives Tips to Protect Yourself

    Watchdog Group Says U.S. Food Recalls Rose Again Last Year

    Scientists Develop Whole New Form of Effective Asthma Treatment

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    Dirty Air Increasingly Affects Minority Communities

    Too Few Asthma Patients Are Using Updated Inhalers

    How Early Antibiotic Use Could Raise Kids' Asthma Risk

    The Right Time is Now to Get Your Flu Vaccine

    Flu May Be Tougher on Brain Health Than COVID-19: Study

    Severe Infections Double Risk of Heart Failure

    'Dual Mutant' Seasonal Flu Virus Could Make Some Treatments Ineffective

    CDC Reports Potentially Troublesome Mutations in Bird Flu Found in Louisiana Patient