Cold and Flu During Pregnancy

Pregnant Girl Holding Thermometer Measuring Temperature

If you develop a head cold and need a decongestant, plain Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) may be taken. This medication is no longer available on the shelf, but it is available at the pharmacy department in drug stores. Sudafed PE is on the shelf, but should not be taken while pregnant. Guaifenesin (Mucinex 600, Robitussin) or dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) may be used for coughing. It is advisable to use Tylenol (acetaminophen) for a fever over 100.4 degrees. Tylenol will also be helpful for the aches and pains of the flu, and for headaches associated with sinus congestion.

Antihistamines are used for allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine are useful and are preferred in the first trimester, but Claritin (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) may be used, if necessary.

Normal saline nasal spray for nasal congestion and throat lozenges of any type are safe at any time in pregnancy, with the exception of zinc lozenges. These should not be used. If you have a fever over 100.4 degrees for more than 48 hours, a persistent cough or sore throat, or greenish-yellow nasal or oral discharge, please contact your family doctor. Do not use any other over-the-counter medication without contacting one of our Obstetric Nurse Specialists at the office (717-397-8177).

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that all women who will be pregnant during influenza season should be vaccinated, regardless of their stage of pregnancy. Peak flu season is typically from late December through early March. The ideal time to obtain the flu vaccine is in October and November in order to receive protection during the peak season.

Talk to your provider today to schedule your vaccination.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Accepted Insurances

May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology participates with the following insurances. Please note that office copays are due at the time of service and any co-insurances are the responsibility of the patient. Please check with your carrier or call our office at 717-397-8177 for an updated menu of insurance options.

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Please consider the following when booking:

Online scheduling is currently for ESTABLISHED May-Grant patients only. If you are a new patient (GYN or OB), please call the office at 717-397-8177 to schedule your appointment to ensure that your provider has enough time to address your needs.

If you schedule an appointment online as a new patient, your appointment will be canceled and you will not be able to be seen. A “New Patient” includes those who have not been seen in our offices in the past three years.

Additionally, your insurance coverage will be verified when you check in for your visit. Please confirm that we accept your insurance before booking online. If we do not accept your insurance, you will not be seen and your appointment will be canceled.

Each patient is unique, and so is each appointment type!

Online scheduling is currently for ESTABLISHED May-Grant patients only. If you are a new patient (GYN or OB), please call the office at 717-397-8177 to schedule your appointment to ensure that your provider has enough time to address your needs.

If you schedule an appointment online as a new patient, your appointment will be canceled and you will not be able to be seen. A “New patient” includes those who have not been seen in our offices in the past three years.