CINCINNATI (Liz Bonis) -- Flu vaccinations are still the best way to protect against the flu.
If the vaccine is given during pregnancy, it protects both mom and baby. But there are concerns that since it's the season for getting sick, moms-to-be won't know if it's a cold or the flu and what's suggested for the best treatment.
The concern is that the Centers for Disease Control states that the flu is more likely to cause severe illness in women who are pregnant than those who are not. So they don't want moms to wait and not seek medical attention if they start to feel flu-like symptoms. Those symptoms are fever, coughing, a runny nose, body aches, and a sore throat.
Experts at the Cleveland Clinic said the big difference is that the flu tends to hit suddenly while a cold or other virus may come on a little more gradually. If it is just a cold, experts report people can take some over-the-counter decongestants in pregnancy but if people are not certain which ones make sure to ask a doctor or pharmacist.
People should also get plenty of fluids and rest for recovery so viruses or the flu don't continue to get worse before it gets better. So far the tri-state has had cases of the flu but it's not widespread.
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