tamiflu what to do? Long

I'm 12 weeks pregnant. Went to dr. today with flu like symptoms. I had the flu shot a few months ago. Rapid swab came back neg. though I am showing all signs of a flu virus. Dr said the rapid culture is not that reliable and b/c i had the flu shot the antibodies may be causing the test to come back negative. Dr. prescribed tamiflu and z pack b/c throat was really red. He also couldn't rule out strep. He was really concerned with flu symptoms in pregnant women. I called my ob this morning prior to seeing my internist. She said to see my primary dr. immediately and if I have to flu to get tamiflu. My primary phy. today asked me to follow up with OB after my appointment to double check taking both z pack and tamiflu. Of course I got the nurse practitioner on the phone, dr. is in delivery, and she said tamiflu is a cat c drug and she wasn't 100% sure on taking it. Now of course I'm nervous and started reading up on tamiflu and pregnancy. I have only have a 100.4 temp now with tylenol in me but am really scared to take the tamiflu, I'm reading such mixed opinions on taking it and it isn't even confirmed that I have the flu. On the other hand, I'm afraid of getting really sick and winding up in the hospital pregnant with the flu.

What would you do?

Sorry so long

Re: tamiflu what to do? Long

How long have you been sick already for? I'm very cautious when it comes to taking meds. In fact, I don't even take a tylenol (pregnant or not) unless I'm on death's door. I know it's ridiculous but its been a running joke that if I'm sick enough to take a tylenol, it must be REALLY bad.

Having said that ... I would wait it out at least another day to see how you feel. Try alternative remedies... lots of fluid, soup, rest... tea.. If by Wednesday I felt like I was getting worse, I'd probably take it. (as long as your ob says it's ok) .. but I'd at least ride out the wave a little to see what happens since your fever isn't very high.

That's my opinion anyway.. I'm sure everyone here will have their own and ultimately you just have to do what makes you comfortable! Feel better!

Re: tamiflu what to do? Long

Personally, I don't take anything during pregnancy if I can help it.

I definitely wouldn't take anything that's Category C. Z pack is category B, so I'd be more ok with taking that, but only if I really needed an antibiotic.

Personally, I'd take Tylenol and wait it out a few days and see how I feel.

Re: tamiflu what to do? Long

That's the thing, I'd really rather not take it. My fever is definitely being controlled by the Tylenol and I'm not as achy as yesterday. My throat on the other hand is killing me. My rapid strep test came back neg. too. I think I will wait for the lab results to come back on the real strep test to even start the z pack.

The worst part about this whole thing is that I was supposed to have my NT scan tomorrow. I was looking forward to seeing the babies but I don't want to risk getting any other pregnant ladies sick. I think I am going to have to reschedule

tamiflu what to do? Long

Just a heads up, I had what I thought was the flu a few weeks ago, but it was a cold/virus. There is definetly a cold/virus going around that mimics the flu, but doesn't last as long. I had a 103/102 fever for 3 days that was controlled by Tylenol. I had a lingering cough for 4 more days, but was 100% better in 7 days. I tested negative for the flu and my doctor said that the flu usually lasts longer. My 20 month old daughter had the same thing! I would not take tamiflu if your fever is controlled by tylenol just keep taking that every 4-6 hours until you are fever free.

Re: tamiflu what to do? Long

tamiflu what to do? Long

There is definitely a "fake flu" virus going around as well. A few family members as ask as myself have had it. My throat was on fire about 2 weeks ago and I didn't have strep. After 4/5 days I finally felt better.

Personally I wouldn't take the tamiflu at all being that it is a category C. I would hold off on the z pack as well at least for another day or two.

Hope you feel better soon!!

Eta: watch your dates if you reschedule your NT scan. You can not have it after a certain day otherwise the results will be skewed.

Message edited 1/14/2013 11:36:26 PM.

Re: tamiflu what to do? Long

I was told by friend who is a doctor that he does not recommend tamiflu to anyone. He says that all it does it makes you sick or a day and lessens the effects of the flu. He told me that it was definitely not worth it to take as a pregnant woman since it has not been tested...