| |
March of Dimes Offers Tips on How To Beat the Flu When You're Pregnant
WHITE PLAINS, NY, DEC. 6, 2000 -As we enter another flu season -- generally December to April -- the March of Dimes Resource Center has a number of helpful tips for pregnant women who are asking what they may safely do to fight "the bug."
The foundation recommends that women who are not allergic to eggs and are in their second and third trimester (after 14 weeks) should be vaccinated against the flu. Pregnant women should also be careful when deciding what drugs to take if the flu strikes.
"Just because something is available over the counter doesn't mean it's safe to take during pregnancy,'' said Dr. Donald Mattison, M.D., medical director of the March of Dimes. "It may not necessarily say on the package that pregnant women shouldn't use the product, even though they shouldn't.
"All women should check with their health care providers before they take any anti-flu medication," he said. He also noted that some products alone or in combination with other drugs should be not be used because no data has been compiled regarding their potential harm to pregnant women or their fetuses.
"For this reason, they should be wary of standard cold medications and herbal products and dietary supplements, for example,'' he said. "Women should also get a flu shot made in the United States that uses the inactivated virus strain, unless they are allergic to eggs because the vaccine is cultured in chicken eggs,'' he said. "In those cases, women should contact their health care provider."
"We recognize that some medical conditions, such as asthma, hypertension, infections, and diabetes require medication during pregnancy,'' Dr. Mattison said. "In those cases, women should check with their health care providers. So, if you are pregnant and do get the flu, be sure and contact your doctor, drink lots of fluid, rest, and, if pain occurs, take one of the products shown to be safe for use by pregnant women.''
The March of Dimes "Medicine Chest"
The following products have been safely used by millions of pregnant women with prior approval by their health care providers:
- Flu vaccine (unless allergic to eggs). The vaccine is strongly recommended in periods of flu epidemics, as expected this winter. It is even recommended early in pregnancy (including the first trimester) for women who have other underlying chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, sickle cell disease and immunosuppression (those who are being treated for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, for example). Women who do have chronic health problems should always first discuss what medications and or vaccines to take with their health care provider.
- Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol).
- Prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor, including folic acid.
For further information about specific medications, contact the March of Dimes Resource Center, which can provide referrals to a convenient Teratogen Information Service.
|
|
