Symptoms:

Flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory symptoms confirmed by influenza, especially in the second or third trimester and in the presence of other co-morbidities.

Treatment:

Treatment of patients with influenza-like illness should not be delayed while awaiting test results as there is generally little benefit if anti-viral medication is started more than 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.

Treatment with anti-influenza medicine Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may be offered to pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy.

Considerations in the management of influenza in each trimester

First Trimester

▪  In the first trimester, the concern is largely about the effect maternal fever may have on the developing fetus, including miscarriage.

▪  Symptomatic treatment with paracetamol is recommended to reduce fever.

▪  Treatment with anti-influenza medicine should be discussed with the pregnant woman, taking into account other conditions that may increase her risk of severe disease.

▪  In the second and third trimesters, the concern is largely for the severity of illness in the pregnant woman, as well as the potential effects of maternal fever on the developing fetus.

▪  Symptomatic treatment with paracetamol is recommended to reduce fever.

▪  Assessment of maternal and fetal well-being is recommended at every presentation

▪  Treatment with anti-influenza medicine is strongly recommended to reduce the severity of the disease.

▪  The pregnant woman should not be asked to wear a mask during labour and birth, but others in the room should follow infection control guidelines

▪  There is usually no advantage in expediting the birth of the baby.

▪  While the baby is < 3 months old, treatment of the mother is also recommended to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

▪  Breast feeding should be strongly encouraged.

▪  Sensible efforts should be made to reduce the likelihood the baby will be infected while minimizing the effect on the mother-baby relationship. These include:

▪  Treating the mother to reduce the risk of transmission

If you are suffering from Influenza, Consult with Best gynecologist in sharjah – Dr. Safeena Anas – Obstetrics and Laparoscopic Gynaecology – NMC Hospital Al-Qusais.