Home > Medical > Cold and flu infection > Overview 05 February 2013 What are the special considerations when treating flu? Special consideration should be given to influenza e.g. during pregnancy, when doing sport, by smokers. 0 Pin It Ask CyberDoc » Test Do you need vitamin C? » Join Body Talk » Quiz Addicted to pills? » Fight off the flu Know your symptoms Influenza and breastfeedingThe flu virus cannot be transmitted from mom to baby through breast milk. Continue breastfeeding if you have flu, as the antibodies you transmit to your baby via the breast milk helps to protect him or her from infection.Influenza and pregnancyPregnant women, especially those in the second and third trimester, are at increased risk for developing severe seasonal influenza. In the case of pandemic H1N1, women at any stage of pregnancy appear to be at increased risk of developing severe and fatal influenza. That’s why current influenza vaccination recommendations include all pregnant women.Influenza and sportRefrain from strenuous exercise while you’re ill. If you are a professional athlete, remember that several ingredients of over-the-counter medications for cold and flu are banned by the respective governing bodies.Flu and smokersIn smokers, the cilia (the tiny “brooms” of the airways which clear the lungs) are already damaged, which means that an important defence mechanism of the airways is compromised. They are further compromised by the flu, which can make one more vulnerable to complications such as secondary bacterial infection.(Reviewed by Dr Jane Yeats, Department of Virology, University of Cape Town 2006)(Updated and reviewed by Dr Jean Maritz and Dr Leana Maree, medical virologists, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch 2010) More in Medical How is flu treated? More: Cold and flu infectionOverview advertisement Get a quote Selfmed - the one with the apple Momentum - save up to 35% on healthcare Medihelp - quality, affordable medical scheme cover advertisement Read Health24’s Comments Policy Comment on this story 0 comments Add your comment Thank you, your comment has been submitted. Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Loading comments... Other news Diet and nutrition Diet drinks 'as bad as meth addiction' Diet and nutrition Purple tomatoes more ‘tasty and healthy’ Medical Type 2 diabetes progresses faster in kids Mental health The science behind the itch Fitness Exercise should be core subject at school Medical Losing weight may ease heartburn From our sponsors Hill's Science Plan Canine Mini range What is Diabetic Neuropathy? There are more than 200 different viruses which can cause a cold A clinically proven skin care range is now available Live healthier Be vitamin-smart » A-Z of vitamins What is vitamin C? Ask the expert Why we need vitamin D Even in a country with an abundance of sunlight you might have a vitamin D deficiency. Here's why. Beat acne » Stars with scars Acne tips Skincare Myths about acne Through the ages, there have been many myths about acne. We list the myths and give you the facts.
0 Pin It Ask CyberDoc » Test Do you need vitamin C? » Join Body Talk » Quiz Addicted to pills? » Fight off the flu Know your symptoms Influenza and breastfeedingThe flu virus cannot be transmitted from mom to baby through breast milk. Continue breastfeeding if you have flu, as the antibodies you transmit to your baby via the breast milk helps to protect him or her from infection.Influenza and pregnancyPregnant women, especially those in the second and third trimester, are at increased risk for developing severe seasonal influenza. In the case of pandemic H1N1, women at any stage of pregnancy appear to be at increased risk of developing severe and fatal influenza. That’s why current influenza vaccination recommendations include all pregnant women.Influenza and sportRefrain from strenuous exercise while you’re ill. If you are a professional athlete, remember that several ingredients of over-the-counter medications for cold and flu are banned by the respective governing bodies.Flu and smokersIn smokers, the cilia (the tiny “brooms” of the airways which clear the lungs) are already damaged, which means that an important defence mechanism of the airways is compromised. They are further compromised by the flu, which can make one more vulnerable to complications such as secondary bacterial infection.(Reviewed by Dr Jane Yeats, Department of Virology, University of Cape Town 2006)(Updated and reviewed by Dr Jean Maritz and Dr Leana Maree, medical virologists, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch 2010) More in Medical How is flu treated? More: Cold and flu infectionOverview