Monthly safety guide brought to you by Panado
Battling colds and flu are never fun, especially when you’re expecting! With colder weather setting in and more people gathering indoors, flu and seasonal colds are rising1, which means more germs to dodge. Choosing the right meds for fever and pain during pregnancy can be a bit of a headache (pun intended), but Panado® has the power to fight pain when you need it most.
Why pregnancy makes you more prone to colds and flu
When you’re pregnant, your body is already busy working hard to grow a tiny human, making you more susceptible to some infectious diseases.2 To make things more complicated, some medications are off-limits for moms-to-be during pregnancy, especially during the first three months.3 The good news is that there are things you can do to give your immune system extra support and help your body stay healthy, as well as medication for pain and fever.
Get vaccinated
Getting your annual flu shot might not completely stop you from catching the flu, but it can make your symptoms much milder and help you recover faster.4a Plus, the flu vaccine can cut your chances of needing a trip to the doctor by 40 – 60%4b – definitely worth the quick jab!
Practice good hand hygiene
Many parasites, bacteria, and viruses can easily spread via your hands.5a The simplest and most effective way to keep them clean is by regular handwashing with warm water and soap.5b Make it a habit, especially after using the bathroom, coming home, or before meals. When you’re out and about and can’t wash your hands a small bottle of hand sanitiser is a handy solution to keep germs at bay.5c
Prioritise rest
As your bump grows, getting enough rest is easier said than done, but sleep is one of the best ways to boost your immune system naturally.6a
Stay hydrated
Keeping hydrated is key to staying healthy and bouncing back quicker if you do catch something. Since our bodies are mostly water, we rely on it to keep our immune systems running smoothly.6b While water is the best choice, you can mix things up with other hydrating options like herbal teas or infused water. Just steer clear of sugary drinks and caffeine, as they can leave you feeling more dehydrated.
Disinfect your home and workplace
Did you know that some germs (like the influenza virus) can stick around on surfaces for up to 48 hours?7a Keep your surroundings germ-free by regularly disinfecting surfaces and objects that collect germs. Prioritise high-touch spots like countertops, tables, fridge handles, doorknobs, and faucets. Don’t forget those sneaky germ hotspots like TV remotes, computers, laptops, and phones. Make sure to dry everything completely after cleaning. Germs thrive in damp spots, and leftover moisture can give them the perfect place to multiply.7b
Stay at home
If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s best to stay home and rest. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying home for four to five days after your symptoms start.8 Likewise, avoid people who are showing signs of illness and steer clear of big crowds or, at the very least, keep a safe distance to minimise exposure to germs.
Choose immune-boosting foods
Your immune system loves a nutrient-packed diet. Fill your plate with antioxidant champions like bell peppers – hello, Vitamin C!,9a and leafy greens like broccoli and spinach.9b Other foods that support a healthy pregnancy include Greek yoghurt (for those probiotics) 9c, whole grains9d (B vitamins, iron, folic acid), sweet potatoes9e (vitamin B6), beans9f (full of antioxidants), and eggs9g (a great source of protein).
Stay active and fit
As a woman, pregnancy represents one of the greatest physical changes one would likely ever experience. To support these physical changes and the growing baby, eating healthy is key, but so is staying physically active. Its recommended that pregnant women aim for around 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week – that’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week.10 A brisk walk or gentle prenatal yoga can work wonders.
What to do if you get sick
Despite your best efforts, you might still catch a bug. If you feel a sore throat coming on, spike a fever, or notice your breathing feels off, call your doctor. They’ll guide you through what to do next and ensure you and your baby stay safe.
How Panado® can help
Paracetamol, the active ingredient in Panado®, boasts over 150 years of clinical experience11. It’s the first-choice painkiller if you’re pregnant12, offering reliable relief for mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, and general aches13a. It also helps alleviate flu symptoms and feverishness13b.
Clinical studies show that paracetamol is an option during pregnancy and a great option for anyone sensitive or allergic to aspirin.14
Panado® comes in various options to suit your needs – tablets15, capsules16, or effervescent form.17 Panado® Tablets relieve pain and fever. If swallowing tablets isn’t your thing, Panado® Capsules are a great alternative. They’re designed with smoother, more slippery shells, making them easier to swallow – perfect if you’ve ever struggled with tablets or disliked their taste. In cases where swallowing tablets or capsules poses a challenge, Panado® Effervescent formulation serves as a convenient solution and is ready to work immediately, making relief just a sip away!
Panado® products are available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and Independent Pharmacies. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook.
For references, visit: https://panado.co.za/references/
