Influenza is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza A or B virus. The seasonal flu in pregnancy is mostly caused by the influenza virus .The recent flu in Tamilnadu is caused mainly by the influenza A virus(H3N2) . It occurs as an epidemic or outbreak. The influenza virus is most prevalent in the winter season. Let’s see the symptoms, treatment, and complications of seasonal flu in detail.
The influenza virus in pregnancy:
When compared to flu in non-pregnant people, flu during pregnancy is more likely to cause acute sickness. During pregnancy, your body undergoes a lot of changes physiologically. Due to these changes, pregnant women will have an altered immune system, increasing their risk of obtaining this infection.
Influenza virus results in higher mortality and morbidity in pregnant women and recent postpartum women (patients who have less than 2 weeks for delivery). Further, the effects of the influenza virus are higher in pregnant women who already have other comorbidities (like asthma, diabetes, etc)
Symptoms of flu:
The symptoms of the flu include
- Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body ache
Not all people having flu will have a fever. So, the absence of a fever will not rule out the flu. Patients can be categorized as having mild, moderate, or severe symptoms based on their assessment. Based on the patient’s symptoms category treatment will be given.
Who needs emergency care:
Pregnant women will have a moderate or higher risk if they have any of the following complications
- Cannot tolerate oral fluids
- Dehydration
- Pain in the chest
- Difficulty in breathing
- Showing signs of obstetric complication
Thus, these pregnant women need emergency care and attention.
Vaccination for flu :
The most effective and safe method of preventing influenza infection and lowering the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity is vaccination. Vaccines for flu during pregnancy help you to prevent infection and also can reduce the severity of infection even if you are infected. However, no vaccine is 100% effective
Treatment :
Women who are already infected can lessen the severity of the flu with proper treatment
- Antiviral treatment is necessary for all pregnant women with suspected or confirmed influenza regardless of vaccination status or lab test results.
- It is best to start antiviral medication (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir ) within 48 hours, but treatment should not stop if the deadline is missed.
- CDC (center for disease control and Prevention) advises post exposure prophylaxis to pregnant and postpartum women who have had close contact with infected individuals
- Pregnant women with comorbidities like asthma, obstetric issues (preterm labour), or who are unable to tolerate oral fluids or can’t get medicine themselves should be seen and need medical care depending on the severity.
- Post-exposure chemoprophylaxis is Oseltamivir 75 mg, which is used for 7–10 days to treat this infection.
Complications of flu in pregnancy:
The influenza virus which affects pregnant women results in the following complications
- Preterm delivery
- Maternal/Fetal death
- Pneumonia
- ICU care
To Conclude:
Thus, seasonal flu in pregnancy results in major complications for both mothers and babies. Hence to protect you get vaccinated, strengthen your immune system, and stay hydrated. When diagnosed with influenza early treatment is preferable to PPXS.
