It is very important to protect pregnant women from people who have the flu. Influenza viruses are transmitted from person to person through the hands, as a result of inhalation of droplets scattered in the air when people with flu talk, sneeze or cough, and as a result of contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus. The presence of pregnant women in the same environment with people who have the flu (one meter in diameter) is also considered as contact. It can remain viable for 2-8 hours on infected surfaces. Clinical signs begin to appear 1-4 days after the influenza virus is transmitted. For this reason, it is important for pregnant women to know the flu symptoms well, as influenza does not show itself immediately.
ATTENTION TO PREGNANT FLU SYMPTOMS
Flu symptoms are also among the issues that pregnant women should know. Weakness, sweating, joint and muscle pains are added to the symptoms that start with a runny nose, throat and headache, cough and fever (over 38°C). In some age groups, there may be redness of the eyes and signs of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Depending on the immune status of the infected people or the type of virus, the flu can spread to the lower respiratory tract and cause pneumonia, which can be fatal.
FLU CAN TURN into Pneumonia in PREGNANCY
Influenza viruses that cause flu can affect pregnant women enough to require hospitalization. The flu can also be harmful to a pregnant woman’s developing baby. Influenza vaccination is an important component of prenatal and postnatal care. Because the flu can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, when it occurs in the prenatal or postnatal period.
Pregnant women should seek emergency care with any of these symptoms:
Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath,
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen,
Persistent dizziness, confusion (prone to sleep),
Difficulty urinating,
• Severe muscle pain,
• Severe weakness or indecisiveness,
Worsening fever or cough
• Decreased or lack of movement of the baby.
PREGNANT FLU TREATMENT SHOULD BE STARTED IMMEDIATELY
Influenza infection should begin treatment as soon as possible. Because antiviral drugs show their effects within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Antiviral drugs can make the flu milder and make the patient feel like they are recovering faster. They can also prevent serious health problems that can result from the flu. Antiviral drugs are the treatment of choice for pregnant women because there are numerous studies that show they are safe and helpful. Fever caused by a flu infection or other infections in early pregnancy can cause birth defects in the baby. Therefore, in addition to antiviral drugs, antipyretic treatment should be applied to pregnant women with fever.