Just got back from the pediatrician, where my 2 year old tested positive for Flu A, which is apparently the mutated strain not covered by this year's shot. I'm 21 weeks pregnant. I'm waiting for a call back from my OB, but just wondering if anyone else has had very direct contact (like covered in his body fluids) with someone with the flu while pregnant. The pediatrician seemed more concerned for me than him. Any experience/advice?
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Last year I had the flu while 5-6 months pregnant even though I had gotten the flu shot. I was prescribed tamiflu which worked wonders. I've heard of people taking tamiflu as a preventative. Not sure if that's possible while pregnant.
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When did you get your flu shot?
It's totally anecdotal, but my OB said that the earlier you get your shot, the more protected you seem to be--that people who got theirs in September aren't getting the flu (she said she hasn't had any patients) but those who got it in October and November are getting the flu!
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@Mamasig: The OB just said that exact thing - that I should take Tamiflu as a preventive. I'm glad to hear you took it and didn't have any problem. Thanks!
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@blackbird: I got it in September but unfortunately the strain he has is the one that's been in the news recently because it wasn't covered by this year's shot
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@SeptMomma12: That's what i asked her about but she she said that if you got it really early, you have lots of antibodies which seem to be helping (and/or if you get sick, you get it a lot less worse)...even if you get the mutated strain.
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@blackbird: Oh good! My OB actually just called (it was the nurse I spoke with before) and said he'd rather wait and see if I get sick. Said to just keep an eye on it and call immediately if I have a fever. So fingers crossed big time!!!
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Tamiflu made me almost sicker than the flu did. I was soooo nauseous on it and at one point was throwing up pretty bad. I stopped taking the Tamiflu early and felt better.
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I'd request Tamiflu to help prevent it. Flu is serious in pregnancy.
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@SeptMomma12: I just went through this right before Christmas and my OB put me on the preventive dose of tamiflu. It was my DH so luckily I missed it but she just said to stay hydrated and take the tamiflu. The flu is the worst for pregnant women (not what you wanted to hear I'm sure
) and they can easily end up in the hospital due to dehydration.
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I've taken tamiflu as a preventative while not pregnant, as as treatment while pregnant, and both times had no issues with the med. Pregnant ladies can get super sick with the flu so I would suggest taking the prophylactic dosing if you have a choice. When I see patients who are flu+ I ask if they have contact with anyone pregnant, and to advise them to start on tamiflu via their doctor.
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if you do get it, i would get tamiflu ASAP. i felt better within 24 hours of taking it and 100% by the end of my dose and gave birth the next day.
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@SeptMomma12: I agree with all pp-- I would definitely take Tamiflu prophylaxis! Flu in pregnancy scares the heck out of me.
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And...I was exposed without protection and am picking up my Tamiflu prescription.
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I've been told that if you get the flu, you have to take tamiflu within 48 hours of flu symptoms for it to work effectively.
Also, I read that the flu vaccine this year will make your symptoms milder if you get the strain that was not covered.
I thought I had the flu a 3 weeks ago and I read all about the flu vaccine. Luckily, I had strep.
Hope you don't get the flu.
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@FliegepilzHut: Good luck!
My doctor decided he wanted me to wait and see and just call him as soon as I started to feel sick. I got lucky - I did not end up getting sick.
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@FliegepilzHut: Good luck. My husband got the flu a couple of months ago. I slept on the couch for a few days until he got better. LO and I minimized our contact with him to prevent it. I told my OB about what happened and how I handled it. She thought we handled it well.
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@bluestriped bee: @SeptMomma12: @cascademom: Thanks, ladies! Glad none of you got the flu! I am vaccinated and I'm taking the drugs.
In my case, I think it's worth it not only because I'm a bit paranoid about flu in pregnancy (few too many horror stories, too close for comfort), but also because it would be a mandatory work absence. That, and so far this winter, I've been sick with colds and random viruses more than...well, ever, that I can remember.
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@bluestriped bee: Hope you're all healed up for your big day!
In my case, I think it's worth it not only because I'm a bit paranoid about flu in pregnancy (few too many horror stories, too close for comfort), but also because it would be a mandatory work absence. 
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