9 tips to prevent the flu during pregnancy and beyond

Getting sick with the flu can be annoying, but in some cases it can become dangerous if the body is debilitated for other reasons or if you are experiencing particular periods such as pregnancy.

The flu vaccine doesn’t always work against all the major flu viruses in circulation and therefore, even in this way there is no absolute guarantee of being protected against the flu.

During pregnancy, the immune system is weaker, the body is subjected to considerable stress due to the additional work on the heart and lungs and this can make the woman more susceptible to getting sick with the flu.

The flu increases the chances of miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester, as well as the likelihood of preterm birth.

This is why prevention is of paramount importance.

We have identified 9 ways to keep the flu away:

Wash your hands frequently and properly

Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting infected. Using warm soapy water, scrub the front and back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails for at least 20 seconds . When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don’t touch your face

The flu virus can spread easily in the mouth, nose and eyes. So try to keep your hands away from your face until you have washed them well.

Kill the germs.

Disinfect all frequently touched surfaces at home or at work, especially if someone has been sick.

Eat healthy.

Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, ideally 5-9 servings a day. They will give you antioxidants that help strengthen your immune system.

Avoid the crowds.

Coming into contact with so many people can greatly increase the chance of catching the flu. especially in closed places such as fairs, shopping centers and subways. Do you know that the droplets of a simple sneeze can reach up to 40 meters away?

If you travel, wash your hands often and clean all surfaces with disinfectant wipes.

Consider using supplements.

Vitamin C, D3, and other supplements can help keep the flu away. Always ask your doctor which supplements are safe during pregnancy.

Rest and relaxation.

Sleeping and resting properly helps strengthen your immune system. Additionally, stress-reducing activities like a prenatal yoga class , a meditation class, a day at the spa, or same sex can help.

Keep the fever at bay

If you have a persistently high fever, call your doctor immediately and try to keep yourself hydrated .

Flu vaccine

Even if the flu vaccine is not always 100% effective, getting vaccinated during pregnancy not only reduces a pregnant woman’s risk of getting the flu, but also decreases the baby’s risk of contracting the virus during the first 6 months of life .

According to a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Disease , the flu vaccine during pregnancy was 92% effective in preventing hospitalization of newborns. These same antibodies also pass through breast milk.