During pregnancy it is generally recommended that you try to avoid all medications as much as possible, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies. However, your immune system does not work as well as usual during pregnancy. This makes you more vulnerable to infections and illness, so try to avoid close contact with people with flu-like symptoms whenever possible.
If you do get a cold or flu, there are some measures you can take safely to ease the discomfort:
- Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, which contain vitamin C, will help fight infections.
- Drink plenty of water and juice.
- Don't get overheated - it is important to remain at a normal temperature wherever possible. Paracetamol is safe to take in the recommended dosage.
- Get plenty of rest and make sure you are properly recovered before picking up your usual daily routine.
- Ask your pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines, as they are not always suitable for use in pregnancy. Cold remedies and cough medicines often contain decongestants and/or antihistamines. These should in general be avoided, as sufficient research on the effects of these types of medicine in pregnancy has not been completed.
- The flu jab is not usually recommended unless you are in a particularly high-risk group for developing complications, for example, if you have asthma. Your doctor will be able to advise whether you should take it but if you have a serious allergy to hens' eggs, it should be avoided.
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