Flu whilst pregnant

[Kmward36]

Hi everyone

I came down with the flu around the 20th of December. Currently 35 weeks pregnant. Normal flu symptoms and I was bed bound for nearly a week. Can only take paracetamols as far as I know and im really struggling. I have awful fatigue and horrific rib pain. The pain is under my boob on both sides (left is worse). I can hardly function. I rung the gp yesterday.and they said there was nothing to be done and I didn’t need a review. Pharmacy sent me to the GP.

any advice to improve this pain? Very miserable!

Sorry to say there's nothing you can safely take except for paracetamol.

I was struck down with a kind of flu like illness over Christmas and new year and it sucks. Maybe you could use something warm against the side that's hurting like a water bottle? A cold flannel for a headache? Other than that just rest as much as possible and stay hydrated is my only other suggestion.
It will pass.

Can you contact the midwife or the pregnancy unit for their advice ?

I’ve already tried, they told me to ring the gp so it’s one big loop.

I’ve got a consultant appointment on Tuesday so I’ll ask them if I still feel rough

I had this when pregnant, and I'm afraid I got sent in circles just like you. Midwife, GP and A&E (GP sent me there) all told me to talk to each other.

In the end, I felt better after an iron infusion. I'd been waiting for one any way, but I suspect I was too anaemic to throw off the flu. Worth checking that out?

I'm 31 weeks and also had flu around mid-December. I'm still getting over it now.

I ended up with a chest infection and needed antibiotics. I've also strained my rib muscles from this devil of a cough, which is utter agony and annoyingly hasn't budged at all yet.

I'd speak to your doctor again tomorrow. Push that you are pregnant (heavily so!), and ensure they check your chest properly. Any concerns, do go to an urgent treatment centre.

As you are pregnant you can use the NHS app “healthier together”. You can use it to describe your symptoms and then it can triage you with your hospital team if it thinks you need it. X

Thanks everyone, I eventually went to a&e this morning as I started coughing up blood and still wasn’t getting anywhere with the Go/ midwife. I’ve been admitted for pneumonia and 2 weeks of antibiotics! Hoping things can only get better now 😂

Good on you for not being robbed off. So sorry it got to that point 😔 Hope you feel better soon !