OTC meds for flu relief could be dangerous for expectant moms
By: Nikki Henderson
Updated: January 21, 2013
If you're pregnant you should be very careful when it comes to taking over-the-counter medications for flu relief.
Health experts say if you are pregnant, you should avoid ibuprofen and most over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.
The CDC recommends taking Tylenol to reduce a fever. A fever caused by the flu early in pregnancy can cause birth defects.
Health experts also say the best things expectant moms can do if they have the flu is to stay in bed, stick to saline sprays and drink lots of fluids.
If you do experience flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea your doctor may prescribe two antiviral drugs, Tamiflu or Relenza, that have been found to be safe during pregnancy.
There are plenty of preventive measures moms-to-be can take to avoid the flu. The first and most important step to avoid the flu is to get a flu shot.
A recent study confirmed the flu shot's safety during pregnancy, and found pregnant women who were vaccinated miscarried less often than pregnant women who weren't vaccinated.
Moms-to-be also can keep viruses like the flu at bay by covering their noses and mouths when they cough and sneeze, and washing hands often with soap and water. It's also a good idea to keep distance from sick people and routinely clean doorknobs, phones and keyboards to help remove germs.
