6 Safe Home Remedies for Flu Prevention While Pregnant
Pregnant women are highly vulnerable to viral infections, including the flu (influenza). That’s due to natural immune changes and alterations in the functioning of vital organs.
Not only are flu symptoms challenging to manage during pregnancy. If untreated, the disease can present severe complications.
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, flu infection increases the risks of pregnancy loss, preterm births, and low birth weight.
More worrying is that expecting moms cannot safely administer many conventional flu medications. Drugs like ibuprofen, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine may cross the placenta and harm the fetus.
Fortunately, pregnant women can explore safer yet equally effective solutions to keep flu at bay. This post explores six such interventions.
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Get the Flu Shot
Getting vaccinated is arguably the most effective flu protection while pregnant.
A flu shot not only minimizes the risks of contracting this viral illness. Even if an infection occurs, you’re less likely to develop severe complications like pneumonia.
The best time to take the flu jab is right before the flu season begins. In the United States, that’s around the end of October.
Going for early flu shots provides the vaccine with ample time to take effect before the disease peaks, typically from early December to mid-January.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
Despite widespread concerns, the flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy. There’s no conclusive research linking the flu jab to pregnancy-related complications.
Hand-wash and Disinfect Surfaces
Hand washing is a foundational personal hygiene practice that can also help to keep the flu at bay.
While routines vary, the conventional wisdom is to wash your hands.
- After using the bathroom
- Before and after eating
- Before and after handling pet food
- After handling garbage
- Before and after using personal grooming products
- After coughing or sneezing
- After blowing your nose
- After coming from the outdoors
You can also supplement regular hand-washing by disinfecting high-touch surfaces. For the best outcome, use a sanitizer containing at least 99% rubbing alcohol.
Remember to also clean high-touch objects with soap and clean water before sanitizing them. It helps wash out dirt and grime, which could reduce the disinfectant’s efficacy.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins not only promote healthy fetal development. They can also minimize the risks of flu and other viral infections during pregnancy.
Therefore, never skimp on these supplements.
Most prenatal vitamins contain potent antioxidants like zinc, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin D. These compounds work synergistically to prevent oxidative stress, a phenomenon caused when free radicals accumulate dangerously around body cells.
Lowering oxidative stress plays a critical role in preventing disease.
Like flu shots, most prenatal vitamins are safe at different stages of pregnancy. Just ensure the supplements are doctor-approved and administered following the recommended dosage guidelines.
Stay Hydrated
Water is involved in various biological processes. It aids digestion, supports cell metabolism, constitutes bodily fluids (including blood), and facilitates excretion.
Staying hydrated might prevent flu infection during pregnancy as well.
Water helps loosen mucus secretions. Mucus traps the flu virus in a sticky gel, enabling you to cough the pathogen out before it can cause systemic infection.
Experts recommend drinking at least 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids daily. That comprises plain water and other rehydrating drinks, such as herbal teas, fruit juices, and clear broths.
Ramp up Your Intake of Hot Soup
Pregnancy comes with increased food aversions. If you’re suddenly unable to savor the foods you once enjoyed, then drinking plain water can be a toll order.
That explains the wisdom behind supplementing plain water with hot soups.
But soup doesn’t only offer the benefit of palatability. It can also fend off the flu virus during pregnancy.
Insist on nutrient-rich foods made from fresh vegetables, chicken, or seafood. As the nutrients in hot soup boost your immune system, the steam can relieve your nasal passage and stimulate mucus production.
Remember to avoid too many spices. Despite being rich in antioxidants, strong-smelling spices can worsen food intolerances during pregnancy.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
We cannot sum up a list of flu prevention home remedies without highlighting the classic apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is chockfull of polyphenols, including catechins, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid. These compounds serve as antioxidants, minimizing the risks of flu infection.
Besides, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is loaded with “the mother” – a cloudy blend of bacteria and yeast that serves as probiotics.
Multiple findings have shown that supplementing with probiotics can boost immune functions and potentially reduce the occurrence of influenza-like infections.
As for the proportions, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a cup of warm water will do the trick. Add honey to sweeten, then drink 2 – 3 times weekly.
Final Word
When it comes to flu management during pregnancy, the above home remedies shouldn’t be a last resort. They should be the first port of call for anyone seeking safe and effective ways to prevent this viral infection.
Remember to consult a licensed pharmacist or medical doctor before integrating these practices into your lifestyle. Extensive consultation is particularly vital if you’re pregnant, as it can help manage various intolerances.
Another way to prevent flu infection during pregnancy includes going for regular testing at doctor-approved intervals.
If you’re already infected, you can treat the disease using safe medications like Tamiflu. Monitor the condition regularly and seek immediate attention if the symptoms persist beyond 7 days.
