WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COLD AND THE FLU

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COLD AND THE FLU
If you’re not sick during the flu season, consider yourself lucky. This fact is not very reassuring for those who are generally predisposed to getting infections like pregnant women and women undergoing IVF.
The flu and the common cold have many similarities. However, if the disease has an abrupt onset, you experience muscle pain, chills and a headache, it’s more likely to be suffering from the flu. Colds have milder symptoms which include mostly nasal congestion and a sore throat.

THE FLU AND PREGNANCY
After the first trimester, the mother’s immune system becomes much weaker so that the baby wouldn’t get attacked by it. This greatly increases your chance of getting sick.
Unfortunately, some of the most common medicines we take to combat the flu are deemed unsafe for pregnant women. Aspirin and ibuprofen among many others have a teratogenic effect – they can harm the fetus. This is why it’s so important to ask your family doctor before taking anything and always to read the instructions. And remember – antibiotics cannot cure the flu.

THE FLU AND IVF
IVF does bring a lot of stress to the individual. Stress, on the other hand, is known to cause low immunity thus making you more prone to catching the flu or a cold. If you get sick, there is a chance the IVF cycle might need to be paused or postponed. Do not hide your symptoms and always tell your gynecologist if you’re not feeling well.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
The flu virus gets spread through the air when people sneeze and cough. This makes it extremely easy to get infected.
Avoid going out until the epidemic is over as well as coming into contact with infected people. If you really need to go out, wear a protective mask and change it every 2 hours.
You can get the flu vaccine. It is safe even for pregnant women and does not lower your chances of getting pregnant if you’re undergoing IVF. The immunity from the vaccine will be passed to the fetus and can protect it for up to 6 months after birth.
These rules must be followed by the whole family in order to have positive results.