Most women are prone to catching the flu during pregnancy or post-delivery and while they are breastfeeding the baby. Let is try and understand why this happens, what are the symptoms, what are the hazards of it and how it can be managed. According to the gynaecologist at Hiranandani Hospital, Thane, during pregnancy, the body naturally reduces its ability to protect you from illness, in order for your immune system do not see your baby as a threat to the system. Consecutively, the heart and lungs also work harder to supply blood and oxygen to both the mother and the baby. Additionally, your lungs have to function in a smaller space due to pressure from your growing baby. All these factors put stress on your body, making you more susceptible to getting viruses and illnesses in general including the flu.

Recognising the Symptoms.

  • Problems breathing or shortness of breaths.
  • A persistent or on-and-off fever or cough.
  • Persistent pain or pressure in your chest.
  • Persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or lethargy.
  • Severe or persistent vomiting.
  • Less fetal movement.
  • A high fever that doesn’t respond to acetaminophen.
  • Seizures.
  • Severe weakness or fatigue
  • Difficulty in urinating
  • Severe muscle pain.

Flu During Breastfeeding. What you need to know.

It can be challenging to breastfeed your baby when you are feeling unwell. The concerns will be about breastfeeding while sick, but it’s safe to continue breastfeeding even when battling a cold or the flu. Many cold and flu medications are safe to use. Although small amounts of medication may get into your breast milk, it does not harm the baby’s health, says a top obstetrician gynaecologist in Ghodbunder Road, Thane, Mumbai.

A woman can keep breastfeeding her baby, even while on antiviral medicines for flu-like symptoms. A mother’s breast milk provides antibodies that helps the babies to fight infection. So, continuing to breastfeed can protect the baby from the infection that the mother’s body is already fighting. However, it is advisable to wear a mask during breastfeeding to avoid coughing, sneezing, or breathing into the baby’s face as cold, flu etc are known to be physically contagious.

Things to consider with breastfeeding.

  • Age of the infant.
  • Potential effects of the drug on breast milk.
  • Amount of the drug entering the milk supply.
  • Proportion of the baby’s milk intake that is from breastfeeding.

Premature babies and new-borns are most at risk for being negatively affected by medicine in breast milk, but the risk goes down around 2 months of age.

Common medicines and some information about their use while you’re breastfeeding.

  • Ibuprofen is generally a common and a safe drug to use during breastfeeding. If you are used to another type of over-the-counter medication for the flu, it is advisable to refer that to your health care provider.
  • If you have a family history of codeine sensitivity, it could affect the baby by making the baby drowsy. Codeine is found in many cold and flu tablets; therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using it.
  • Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant found in some cold and flu tablets. It doesn’t transfer easily into breastmilk, but it is associated with reducing milk supply and may cause your baby to be irritable.
  • Phenylephrine is another decongestant sometimes used in cold and flu tablets.
  • Saline nasal sprays are safe to use while you are breastfeeding according to doctors.
  • Decongestant nasal sprays (medicines that relieve a blocked nose) with the active ingredients oxymetazoline and xylometazoline can be used while you’re breastfeeding.

There are a number of OTC and prescription medications available to treat colds and the flu. Some, in small doses and for a short period of time, may be safe, while others can have side effects for both the breastfeeding parent and the baby. The best way to know if a medication is safe for use is to check with the doctor. Breastfeeding your baby while having a cold or the flu can be very uncomfortable and could impact your routine. The best way to get better is to stay calm, rest, and hydrate often.