Health
by gleefulblogger

Mothers Against Influenza – A Jab of Good Health

September 11, 2018
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Mothers Against Influenza, learn everything about Influenza vaccine and conditions!

In 2011 when the self-test showed up with positive lines, my whole world turned beautiful. Jitters for the first time, along with early symptoms made it a roller coaster ride. High on adrenalin & scary at the same time. Visit Doctor confirmed a tiny human has hijacked my body and developing at a good speed. Few experiences in life are beyond words, this is one such occurrence.

First-time pregnancy brought many new experiences, I recall going for a series of medical tests then. Results showed no sign of distress, everything was good & normal. However, that was the same time my good Doctor advised for a few vaccinations. Vaccinations – but why? All I knew back then was, ‘No Medicine No Vaccination’ to an early pregnant woman! Oh, how wrong I was, and thank heavens my Doctor did not budge from his advice. ‘I took Influenza Vaccine in the first trimester of pregnancy.’

I recently got an opportunity to attend an Influenza Awareness Bloggers meet – #MomVsFlu. This occasion brought some very crucial take-home points for everyone. Dr. Uday Pai a well-known pediatrician and Dr. Mukesh Gupta practicing Gynaecologist/ Obstetrician shared their valuable insights on Why we Mothers should fight against Influenza. Mothers Against Influenza.

Influenza (FLU) – Causes &Damage

Do you know a simple cough or a sneeze could be fatal if you are a child under 5 years, a pregnant woman or elderly person? Yes, that’s correct! Influenza which is commonly known as FLU is a HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS infection which can spread as rampant as wild-fire.

Last year, when my daughter came back home from school she had a runny nose. I gave her a normal concoction of ‘gharelu-nuskha’ (homemade medicine), and a simple dose of paracetamol. However, by midnight her fever crossed all thresholds. Highest recorded at 104 degrees, we rushed to the emergency ward of a multi-specialty hospital. Preliminary tests confirmed it’s outbreak of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu). Mind it, she just had a runny nose. Shocked beyond belief, as all her vaccinations were on time. Hospitalized in isolation for good 5 days and guess what – I was next in line. Luckily for me, the doctor gauged before it could reach the worst, and started medication.

Experts explained that though all her vaccinations were given on time, we missed the precautionary FLU Vaccine this year. I recall in 2016 when the SWINE Flu outbreak covered in newspapers & TV channels, we got ourselves vaccinated against FLU. However, this time we misjudged its duration. Lesson learned the hard way, we are now standing firmly against Influenza (FLU) and aim to spread information about Influenza.

Symptoms & High-risk factors for Influenza (Flu)

Influenza vaccine Flu
Image – https://commons.wikimedia.org

As I mentioned above, daughter showed only a runny nose before the outbreak of Flu. Hence, the symptoms are as clueless as the common cold.

  • Fever
  • Body Chills
  • A cough or a Sore Throat
  • Runny & Blocked (stuffy) Nose
  • Tiredness
  • Body aches or Headaches

Children – below the age of 5 years are at higher risk, as in our case daughter was 4 years and probably got the flu from her school. Schools are the breeding grounds for the majority of flu viruses, for the obvious reasons. Central air-conditioned classrooms leave no room for fresh air, and if one child is carrying infection the class is vulnerable to flu. Hence, getting children vaccinated against Flu virus is a MUST. Dr. Pai mentioned – “Vaccines may take 4 to 6 weeks to develop complete immunity in your body, so you must take it before any epidemic like swine flu breaks out.”

Pregnant Women – During pregnancy, the immunity is at the lowest for a woman. In my case, vaccination against Flu kept all deadly viruses at bay. Just not me, in-fact daughter never fell prey to such easy attacks of viruses before the H1N1 episode. Coming back to the focal point of vaccination against influenza during pregnancy, keeps women safe from various fatal flu attacks. In Dr. Gupta’s words – “Go take a flu vaccine, even before you can get pregnant.  Only a healthy body can bring a healthy baby, preconception vaccine is important.”

Vaccinations Keep all Deadly Viruses at Bay

influenza vaccine

Dr. Mukesh mentioned – “Flu spreads by touching, coughing, sneezing by flu affected person onto babies. So, it’s best that families – parents, grandparents and even caretakers of the babies get Samuhik vaccinated.” Samuhik in Hindi refers to ‘cluster’, hence get the cluster vaccination for the whole family and safeguard against Flu.

Flu attacks during pregnancy might risk the mother & baby, pre-term delivery and many other complications. Hence, get the pre-pregnancy vaccination dose.

Genelia Deshmukh, famous Bollywood Celebrity and mother to two little munchkins reiterated Doctors advice. She focussed on, “My elder child may carry a flu virus and my younger child may get infected. So, it is important to protect them both and get the family vaccinated.” A concerned mother who has taken all the right measures to protect children from Influenza. “No mother must be a Worrier, she is a Warrior. Best way to tackle your questions about flu is to talk to your doctor”

Editors’ Note

We, mothers, are warriors who make sure all good and best reach our children and family. So why not immunity jab of – protection. Vaccinations keep away deadly viruses, which may look simple as a common cough, but may lead to fatal illness if not caught hold on time. Yearly Influenza vaccination saves you from the worry of uninvited sickness or contagious attacks on children from public areas and schools.

The best way forward is to find a Doctor and talk to the expert, ask them questions about your worries. A healthy interaction, an aware parent brings a healthy and safe environment for the family. April, May, June the time summers are at peak, and kids on vacation, we must get vaccinated too. My recent conversation with daughter’s doctor confirmed it as before the Flu might outbreak, as a family one should get protected.

I am a Mother Against Influenza; Are You??

Influenza vaccine

Disclaimer

“I attended a discussion on influenza awareness facilitated by Abbott India Limited. Any opinion expressed in this blog is my personal opinion and not the opinion of Abbott India Limited. Abbott India Limited does not assume any liability for the content of the blog. The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment for babies having Influenza. Any reader of this blog or their family members suffering from Influenza should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.”

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Every woman considers missed periods and tender breasts as the earliest signs of pregnancy. However, there a whole host of weird pregnancy symptoms that no one tells her about. Here are six very unusual pregnancy symptoms that are perfectly normal.

1. Constipation is an early pregnancy symptom –

Constipation is a weird but one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. It hits you in the early weeks of pregnancy and gets worse as your uterus gets bigger. The symptoms include difficulty having a bowel movement, abdominal pain, and infrequent or hard bowel movements.

Hormonal changes, the iron in your prenatal vitamins, fiber deficiency, and continuously increasing womb pressure are blame for Constipation during pregnancy.

How to control or regulate it –

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, including 8-10 glasses of water daily.
  • Take iron-free vitamins instead of your prenatal vitamins.
  • Consume at least 25 grams of fiber every day. Eat foods rich in fiber, like peas, beans, prunes, lentils, and whole grains.

2. Nasal Congestion –

When you’re pregnant, you may experience stuffy, runny or bloody nose or even an itchy throat. Also known as pregnancy rhinitis, nasal congestion usually kicks off during the second trimester and lasts throughout your pregnancy.

Rising estrogen levels, extra blood flow, and a lack of moisture in the body cause nasal congestion.

  • Use saline nose sprays
  • Run a cool-mist humidifier in the house
  • Drink plenty of liquids

3. Blurry Vision – Weird but real!

During pregnancy, you may notice your eyesight isn’t as clear as it was before, especially if you’re already suffering from gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Don’t worry as vision problems are quite common during pregnancy. They usually take place in the last trimester and go away two months after delivery.

Rising estrogen and progesterone levels, pregnancy hormones, increased fluid pressure inside the eye often leads to unclear vision.

Treat this condition with following tips –

  • Don’t wear contact lenses during pregnancy.
  • Try some eye relaxation exercises.
  • Use pregnancy-friendly eye drops.
  • Wear sunglasses when you step out of your home.
  • Rest your eyes often.
pregnancy symptoms

4. Leg Cramps –

Throughout your pregnancy, you can groan from muscle cramps in your legs or feet. They usually strike suddenly and occur at night, and is known as the most common pregnancy symptom starting early on.

The inadequate blood supply in the calves, calcium/potassium/magnesium deficiency, and overexertion of the leg muscles often cause leg cramps.

Relieve the leg cramps by –

  • Avoid lying on your back.
  • Eat foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cheese, and nuts.
  • Prop your legs up whenever possible. Avoid crossing them.
  • Wear comfy, flat footwear.
  • Gently stretch your leg muscles at bedtime.
  • Take some mild leg exercises daily.
  • Apply a hot water bottle to soothe the pain.

Also, read about how IVF can help you with advanced medical treatments, here.

5. Itching on limbs, or thighs

Stomach itching is also one of the most common pregnancy symptom, but some pregnant women can even experience itchy palms and soles with redness. Fortunately, the itchy feeling usually goes away entirely after delivery.

Blame hormonal changes and stretching the skin for itching during pregnancy.

Soothe your itchy skin by using –

  • A moisturizer to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
  • Take an oatmeal bath.
  • Avoid hot showers and baths.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Try yogurt skin treatment.
  • Run a cool-mist humidifier in the house.
  • Use mild soaps.
  • Take an oatmeal bath.
  • Avoid wearing clothing made from itchy fabrics.

6. Dizziness –

Many pregnant women feel lightheaded and dizzy. In rare cases, even a healthy pregnant woman can faint during pregnancy. Dizziness usually occurs in the first trimester but can last throughout pregnancy.

Low glucose levels or blood pressure, restricted blood flow, dehydration, and overheating cause dizziness and lightheadedness.

  • Get enough fresh air.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Take small, frequent meals.
  • Avoid sudden movements.
  • Avoid hot baths or showers.
  • Take iron supplements.
  • Avoid standing or sitting for too long.
  • Don’t overdo exercise.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Get up slowly from sitting and lying positions.
unusual pregnancy symptoms
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Disclaimer

The content is not for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Copyrights

© Dipika Singh. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dipika Singh (Gleefulblogger). With the right and specific direction to the original content.

I Promise to Stop Flu

5 Signs of Flu That You Need To Know Today

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Flu is predominantly caused by the onslaught of Influenza Virus. This virus causes intrusion in the respiratory system. Irrespective of age any human being can be affected by this virus. With the onset of seasonal change, i.e., from early November to end March we often find patients of flu in our family and surroundings. Here we will discuss 5 top most Flu symptoms to combat it early on. Definitely, clinical diagnostic confirmation should be there before starting treatment. But here we will dissect some common symptoms with which we can presume it is the FLU.

Is Flu a Curable disease?

Five Signs You May Have Flu

This is the most important question which first bangs on us when we talk about any disease. Flu is definitely preventable with vaccination. It is similar to cold but can be very dangerous. But in some extreme cases, it may lead to death also. So early detection, vaccination and medication are highly required.

And how long does FLU last & where it attacks

It lasts for about 2-3 week on the higher bracket and 2-3 days on lower bracket. The time span varies on your body’s immunity to fight with the virus. It primarily attacks the nose, throat and lungs. Any age group or gender with a weak immune system can be a victim of flu.  So keep your immune system strong to fight with any disease. Having a healthy diet, performing regular exercise or yoga, keeping away from alcohol or any other addictions can support your system to fight with diseases.

5 major Flu symptoms you need to identify 

Flu treatment in India

It starts with a symptom like that of normal cold, eg, running nose, sore throat and sneezing. But gradually it develops and becomes worst. Common flu symptoms are:-

  • Fever – The general range of temperature in case of flu is 100.4 F. In children less than 12 weeks, any fever is a red flag.
  • Pains – It results in severe muscle pain; children refuse to walk due to pain in limbs. Fatigue and weakness may also persist.
  • Swings in Temperature – Sometime you will feel chill and sometimes sweat.
  • Dehydration – No urination, dry mouth and lips, irritation while passing urine.
  • Congestion – Thorough nasal and throat congestion persists. A persistent dry cough bothers the throat condition. It makes sore throat.

Causes of Flu

This virus is highly contagious. It gets transmitted from one person to another by using the same device or coming in touch. Using the same phone or computer or any other device may spread the virus. If the infected person sneezes, or talks or coughs then the virus gets in to air as a droplet. And by coming in contact with a new victim it easily gets transferred.

Cure & Precautions in case of Flu

In the initial stage, any over the counter drug can help adults (expert’s opinion is required before administering any drug to children). But gradually you need to take the advice of medical practitioner and get the right medicine.

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Yearly vaccination is a great help to combat flu because vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body, which provide protection against the virus. But flu vaccine varies from season to season as the virus is changing its strains regularly. Hence it is advisable to take the flu vaccine every year. Know that flu us dangerous and can even be fatal. To protect yourself, stay vaccinated. #IPromiseToStopFlu

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm

COPYRIGHT NOTICE –

© Dipika Singh. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dipika Singh (Gleefulblogger). With the right and specific direction to the original content.

DISCLAIMER –The content is not for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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