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pregnant 38 weeks - how to avoid really bad flu!!

5 replies

Jzee · 02/07/2003 10:50

dh has been in bed for the past 5 days with really bad flu which I really don't want to get. I'm doing everything to avoid catching it vitamin C, lots of fresh fruit and veg and even separate sleeping arrangements - any other tips other than checking into a hotel! And if I do get it I suppose I'm only able to take paracetamol is that right?

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M2T · 02/07/2003 10:55

Hi Jzee - is it definitely the Influenza virus or is it a bad viral infection that you think may be Flu? I ask coz there are big disconnects where people sometimes call a really bad virus, for example, the Flu. There are many major differences such as breathing difficulties which accompany the Influenza Viral Infection.

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M2T · 02/07/2003 11:00

I think the best way is to avoid any bodily contact with him, stay out of the bedroom as much as possible. Wash your hands after you have been near him and after you have handled his clothes/bed sheets etc. Don't really think there is much else you can do.

Poor soul.... when your ill you just want some TLC, but instead you've got to stay well clear! How long as he had the fever for?

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M2T · 02/07/2003 11:02

Me again..... here's some info on the Influenza virus.:

Influenza ('flu)
Influenza is a virus which causes a severe form of respiratory tract infection with generalised bodily symptoms. It spreads around the world in epidemics and is responsible for much ill health as well as many deaths.

Symptoms
If you start to develop cold symptoms but starting more rapidly and rather more violently, with higher fever and severe aches and pains, often in the back and muscles, then you may well be developing influenza. This may be associated with severe headache, cough, and, as a result of the fever, intermittent sweating and shivering. Sometimes there is a gastrointestinal element, with vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

Many people think they have had "flu" when all that they have suffered is a bad cold. When you have influenza you will know the difference. Most people will find it impossible to leave their bed and feel terrible.

The worst symptoms usually last for three to five days, and then should begin to improve. It is common to need two to three weeks off work as there is considerable debility left after the feverish illness is over. Do not be surprised to be quite depressed, this is a natural after-effect of the condition.

Influenza makes everyone feel terrible, but most people recover. It does however have a small, but significant mortality, especially in the very young, the very old, and those with poor immunity.

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SamboM · 02/07/2003 11:06

Hi Jzee, I don't think there's anything much you can do other than stay away and don't stand near dh when he's coughing or sneezing (if he is it's prob just a cold anyway!) Or you could buy a surgical mask!

I got bronchitis when I was 37 weeks after a totally healthy cold-free pregnancy, it was horrible as I could hardly breathe and was really worried about how I would cope with labour when I couldn't even get out of bed. I stopped the RLT immediately and it got better quickly so I was fine. You can use paracetomal and vicks rub. Fingers crossed that you don't get ti.

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SamboM · 02/07/2003 11:06

or it even

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