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Early pregnancy symptoms feel like the flu: Risks for you and your baby



This is one of the few symptoms of early pregnancy that is not usually considered normal, as most "almost all cases of hypertension within the first 20 weeks indicate underlying problems," so please call your doctor.




early pregnancy symptoms feel like the flu




COVID-19, flu and HIV may have similar symptoms such as fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, or fatigue. The flu-like symptoms of acute HIV begin within a few weeks of HIV exposure and then eventually go away. Find a testing site near you by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) or visiting gettested.cdc.gov.


Early HIV symptoms can feel like a bad case of the flu or COVID-19 and usually occur a few weeks after infection. In many people, early HIV signs and symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, rash, sore joints or muscles, or a sore throat. These symptoms of acute HIV are the body's natural response to HIV infection. Symptoms usually disappear within one to four weeks; therefore, they are often mistaken for a case of the flu.


Seasonal influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and a runny nose. The cough can be severe and can last 2 or more weeks. Most people recover\r\n from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention. But influenza can cause severe illness or death especially in people at high risk (see below).


Seasonal influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and a runny nose. The cough can be severe and can last 2 or more weeks. Most people recoverfrom fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention. But influenza can cause severe illness or death especially in people at high risk (see below).


Your head is throbbing. Your throat is burning. You're coughing nonstop, and your whole body aches. This is no run-of-the-mill cold. You may have the flu. Let's talk about influenza, also known as the flu. Winter is a time for sledding, snowball fights, and flu. Every winter, millions of Americans come down with this respiratory ailment and feel absolutely miserable. Like the common cold, the flu is caused by a virus. But with the flu, it's the influenza virus that makes people so sick. The flu virus comes in a few different forms. Influenza A is most common between early winter and spring. You can catch influenza B year-round. Swine flu, or H1N1, is a specific type of influenza A. You catch the flu from someone who has it. When people with the flu sneeze or cough, they send a spray of droplets filled with the flu virus into the air. If you're unlucky enough to be nearby, you could breathe in those droplets. Or, you might touch a surface that the droplets have fallen on and then touch your nose or mouth. Two to three days later, the first flu symptoms will appear. Usually you'll start running a fever. Then you'll feel achy and tired. You may have the chills and feel sick to your stomach. After a couple of days, the sore throat and cough will set in. So, how do doctors treat the flu? Because a virus causes the flu, antibiotics won't treat it, they only kill bacteria. There are antiviral medicines, but you need to start taking them within the first 2 days after your symptoms appear. Until the illness runs its course, help yourself feel better by getting a lot of rest and drinking extra fluids. You can take an over-the-counter cold medicine to relieve your congestion and cough. Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin can bring down your fever and take some of the pain out of your sore throat. Aspirin isn't recommended during the flu, especially under age 18, because it could increase the risk for a rare, but serious, condition called Reye syndrome. By itself, the flu usually isn't harmful. But it can make existing conditions like asthma and breathing problems worse. In older people or those with a weakened immune system, the flu can turn into pneumonia, bronchitis, and other more serious diseases. For most healthy people, the flu is a short-term annoyance. They're stuck in bed for a week or two, and then their symptoms go away and they're back up and around. But thousands of people each year get very sick from the flu, especially the elderly, young children, and pregnant women. Many are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die from flu complications. To avoid getting the flu, eat well, get plenty of exercise and sleep, and practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Don't share cups, plates, or utensils, especially during flu season. And most effective, get your flu shot every fall to protect you through the whole flu season.


Your susceptibility to certain illnesses may change during the course of your pregnancy. Studies suggest that you may be most likely to get sick during the first trimester and least likely during the second.


Waller DK, Hashmi SS, Hoyt AT, et al. Maternal report of fever from cold or flu during early pregnancy and the risk for noncardiac birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2011. Birth Defects Res. 2018;110(4):342-351. doi:10.1002/bdr2.1147


For most people, medication abortion physically feels like having an early miscarriage or a heavy period with mild flu-like symptoms. You could have cramping and aches in your belly, heavy bleeding with large blood clots, an upset stomach or vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness, and mild fever (99-100 F) or chills on the day you take the misoprostol.


A very common early symptom of pregnancy is fatigue, according to Dr. Gossett. "Most women in their first trimester feel exhausted, and many can mistake early pregnancy for coming down with something else, like a cold or flu," she tells Woman's Day.


Gossett says that becoming unusually sensitive to smells could be another sign that you might be pregnant. "If suddenly food smells are really turning you off, or if you have an aversion to foods you usually enjoy, that could be another early sign of pregnancy," she says.


If you're feeling unusually bloated or have cramps, that might also be a sign that it's time to take a pregnancy test. Gossett and Rebarber both say this can be another early symptom of pregnancy that many women could miss.


Breast changes are an early symptom of pregnancy for many women. If you notice that yours are unusually sensitive or feel fuller than usual to the touch, Dr. Rebarber says this could be an early symptom of pregnancy.


The classic symptoms of pregnancy include a missed period, tender breasts, and frequent tiredness. What you may not know is that you may experience a whole host of other signs and symptoms beyond these common ones. Mucus discharge, headaches, and a metal taste in the mouth are all part of the equation.


You may have a slightly higher body temperature during pregnancy. This happens because of the rising levels of progesterone. It is also caused by increasing body weight, cardiovascular changes, and increased blood flow. This hot or warm feeling may alternate with cold spells, which, although normal in many situations, may also indicate a severe underlying medical condition.


Paracetamol during pregnancy. You can use paracetamol for mild or moderate pain and fever in pregnancy. No clear evidence exists that it can cause harmful effects on the baby. However, only use the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time possible. If this does not help to control your symptoms, get advice from your doctor.


Decongestants. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine are safe to take during pregnancy as over-the-counter medications or when directed by the doctor. However, some studies show that they may increase the risk of abnormalities in your unborn child, and you should thus take them cautiously. This is especially crucial during the first trimester. Instead of decongestants, use nasal strips and saline nasal sprays as safe alternatives.


Chickenpox is caused by the varicella virus and is highly contagious. It can be serious during pregnancy. Sometimes, chickenpox can cause birth defects. If you have had chickenpox in the past, it is unlikely you will catch it again. If you have not had chickenpox or if you are not sure, see your doctor. Your doctor will test your blood to see if you are immune.


In this article:What causes a cold during pregnancy?Cold symptoms during pregnancyHow to treat a cold while pregnantWhen to call the doctor about a cold during pregnancyPreventing colds while pregnant


Some women say they just know, and others may look to the more common early symptoms if they suspect they may be pregnant. Missed period, swollen and sore boobs, morning sickness and even food aversions are the obvious, but there are some odd symptoms that you might not expect to be an early sign of pregnancy.


Another early symptom you could experience is constipation. Your pregnancy can slow down your digestive system. This is important to ensure your little one has time to absorb the nutrients he/she needs but it can result in you feeling bloated and unable to go to the toilet. Adding more fibre to your diet can help things naturally along.


You may just feel binged up because the blood supply around your body causes inflammation in the nasal passages. Also known as the Rhinitis of pregnancy. Also, whereas you may usually avoid picking up every cold or bug that is going around, early pregnancy can see you suffering with one thing after another. Pregnancy lowers your immunity leaving you more vulnerable to everything going round.


It's easy to feel guilty about not being able to do everything like you're used to. It's OK to pamper yourself. By reducing any extra job or social commitments during these first few weeks, you can be as productive as possible in your regular responsibilities.


Some women say that they experience flu-like symptoms such as congestion, cough, and fatigue a few weeks before going into labor. They may believe that this is a sign that they are going to begin labor soon. The fact is that there is no strong scientific research to prove that having flu-like or sick symptoms is a sign of labor starting. 2ff7e9595c


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