(Newswire.net — October 25, 2023) — Pregnancy is an exciting phase of a woman’s life. But this period of immense joy is accompanied by unique challenges, especially when it comes to health.
A 2022 NIH study found that pregnant women are more vulnerable to influenza infections. Physiological and immunological changes are the culprit behind their susceptibility to flu. They are also at a higher risk of influenza-related hospitalization than non-pregnant women.
While there is no foolproof way to prevent getting flu, there are numerous ways to alleviate the symptoms during pregnancy. This guide discusses just that. In this article, we’ll discuss a few flu remedies that will provide quick relief during pregnancy.
#1 Drink Lots of Fluids
Keeping yourself hydrated is important during pregnancy, but more so if you’re down with the flu.
Drink plenty of water, around eight cups or two liters, to keep your throat moist. It will also thin the mucus. Tea– decaf or herbal– will help with congestion and alleviate sore throat. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it fastens the recovery process. As such, you’ll recover from the flu quicker than you would otherwise.
Add a few drops of honey and lemon to your herbal tea if you have a persistent cough. Drinking a concoction of tea, honey, and lemon will soothe your irritated throat, providing relief against a productive cough.
Bowls of hot broth or soups also work wonders in loosening chest congestion. Early studies support that chicken soup could ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, drinking a hearty bowl of chicken soup daily will help reduce inflammation and relieve the symptoms of a pesky cold.
#2 Take Medicines With Caution
Flu symptoms like mild fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and muscle and body aches don’t usually pose any danger to the fetus.
However, if your body temperature is abnormally high, you will have to take medications. We say so because hyperthermia, a condition when your body temperature climbs too high, can result in a miscarriage or birth defects.
Numerous studies support that first-generation antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine, and dexchlorpheniramine are safe to use during pregnancy.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is another medication that is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, it should be consumed only in the second and third trimesters. Women with high blood pressure should avoid it altogether.
Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant usually found in over-the-counter cold medications, is marketed as safe for pregnancy. However, a recent study has linked it to birth defects, such as musculoskeletal, intestinal, heart, brain, and spinal defects. Therefore, you should refrain from consuming dextromethorphan when pregnant.
Similarly, medicines that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) as the key ingredient were considered safe for years for use during pregnancy. However, in recent years, numerous researchers uncovered a significant link between Tylenol use and autism disorder.
Recent studies have found that children whose cord blood samples contained the highest level of acetaminophen were at elevated risks of autism. To be more precise, they were three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD.
Soon after the revelations were made, countless parents filed Tylenol autism lawsuit cases. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs alleged that manufacturers were aware of the dangers of Tylenol, yet they failed to issue a warning of the risks associated with using the drug.
Walgreens, CVS, Costco, Safeway, and Rite Aid, to name a few, are defendants in the Tylenol lawsuit, notes TorHoerman Law.
Considering the risks associated with several over-the-counter medications, it’s best to consult an ob-gyn or obstetrician-gynecologist before taking any medicine.
#3 Gargle With Warm Salt Water
If you’re experiencing a scratchy or burning sensation at the back of your throat, gargling with warm salt water will definitely help. Take about four ounces of water and add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to it. The water should be lukewarm and not overly hot, or it will burn your throat.
Gargling with salt water twice a day will ease the discomfort that you might be experiencing due to a sore throat. It will also lessen inflammation, loosen the mucus, and ease throat pain.
#4 Run a Humidifier
An already irritated throat can be worsened by dry air. When exposed to dry and cold air, the nose’s lining becomes inflamed and irritated, resulting in nasal congestion. Not only that, but it also worsens a sore throat.
While drinking plenty of fluids will help you get through the, running a humidifier will ensure you sleep peacefully at night. Before you hit the sack, plug in a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to your room’s air. As the moist air eases chest congestion, rest assured that you will sleep like a baby.
Closing Thoughts
Contracting the flu during pregnancy is a scary experience for any woman. However, you can relieve the symptoms by drinking plenty of fluids, taking appropriate medicines, and gargling with warm salt water.
Getting enough rest will also help your body ward off infections. Therefore, avoid strenuous activity and take adequate rest so that you can recover quickly. Also, if your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, contact a healthcare professional at the earliest.