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During pregnancy
Get tested for COVID-19 and stay home for any cold or flu-like symptoms
Take these precautions for a sore throat, cough, fever, or other cold or flu-like symptoms – even if they’re mild. If you have symptoms, find out more about choosing a COVID-19 test.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms (even if they’re mild) that started within 5 days, you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatment, such as Paxlovid.
Early treatment with antiviral medication for flu
If you're pregnant and have been diagnosed with flu, we may recommend early treatment with antiviral medication (Tamiflu or Relenza) as soon as you start to feel sick or have been exposed to the flu. This medication may make flu symptoms milder, help you feel better faster, and prevent flu-related complications. Tamiflu and Relenza are safe to use during pregnancy.
Don’t ignore these symptoms. Call our 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at
1-866-454-8855 now if you have:
- Been exposed to the flu in the past 4 days.
- Flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, or fatigue.
Care for your symptoms
These recommendations will help you care for your cold, flu, and some COVID-19 symptoms.
Fever, chills, body aches
A fever is the body’s normal response to an infection. A fever is a temperature of 100.4°F or higher. When you’re pregnant, treat your fever early with acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your temperature and ease discomfort.
Do
- Keep your room cool and dress lightly.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink enough fluids.
Don't
- Don't become dehydrated. Clear, colorless urine (and having to urinate frequently) are signs that you're drinking enough.
- Don't smoke or vape. Avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke or vape, try to cut back as it can take longer to recover. If you're thinking about quitting tobacco, we can help. Call 1-866-251-4514 to speak to a wellness coach.
Medication
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your temperature and relieve discomfort.
- Follow dosing instructions listed on the product.
- Don't take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) unless advised by your doctor.
When to contact us
Don't ignore these symptoms. Call our 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at
1-866-454-8855 now if you have:
- A stiff neck or severe headache.
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher with a cough for more than 2 days.
- A fever that doesn't improve with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Felt better then worse again.
- Both a fever and a rash.
- Been exposed to the flu recently (within 4 days).
As always, if you have questions or concerns you can:
Runny, stuffy nose
A runny or stuffy nose can last 2 weeks or more. Yellow or green mucus and sinus pain usually doesn’t mean you need antibiotics.
Do
- Rinse sinuses with a saltwater (saline) solution. Buy saline nose drops, sprays, or kits.
- Breathe moist air from a steamy shower, hot bath, or sink filled with warm water.
- Apply moist heat (warm washcloth or gel pack) to your face for a few minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
- Sip warm broth, decaffeinated tea, or water to relieve congestion.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink enough fluids.
Don't
- Don't become dehydrated. Clear, colorless urine (and having to urinate frequently) are signs that you're drinking enough.
- Don't smoke or vape. Avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke or vape, try to cut back as it can take longer to recover. If you're thinking about quitting tobacco, we can help. Call 1-866-251-4514 to speak to a wellness coach.
Medication
- Try cromolyn (Nasalcrom) nasal spray.
- Try pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) 30 mg after the first trimester (13 weeks and beyond).
- Follow dosage instructions listed on the products.
When to contact us
Don't ignore these symptoms. Call our 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at
1-866-454-8855 now if you’re:
- Breathing rapidly.
- Wheezing or have difficulty breathing.
- Short of breath.
As always, if you have questions or concerns you can:
Cough
A cough can last 2 weeks or more. It can get worse at night. Coughing up yellow or green mucus usually doesn’t mean you need antibiotics.
Do
- Use cough drops, lozenges, hard candy, or ice chips to soothe irritation and dry, tickling coughs.
- Breathe steamy air from a warm bath or shower, or use a humidifier (no medication added) to add moisture to the air.
- Drink warm fluids such as water with lemon or decaffeinated tea.
- Get plenty of rest.
Don't
- Don't become dehydrated. Clear, colorless urine (and having to urinate frequently) are signs that you're drinking enough.
- Don't smoke or vape. Avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke or vape, try to cut back as it can take longer to recover. If you're thinking about quitting tobacco, we can help. Call 1-866-251-4514 to speak to a wellness coach.
Medication
- Consider using a cough syrup that contains guaifenesin (an expectorant) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant).
- Follow dosage instructions listed on the product.
When to contact us
Don't ignore these symptoms. Call our 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at
1-866-454-8855 now if you have a:
- Cough without a fever that lasts longer than 10 days.
- Cough that’s gotten better, then worse again.
- Cough with difficulty breathing or chest pain.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, including about over-the-counter medications, you can:
Sore throat
With a sore throat, you may have mild to moderate pain when swallowing and dryness, which usually improves within 3 to 4 days.
Do
- Gargle with warm salt water twice a day. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
- Suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, or ice chips.
- Drink warm fluids such as water with lemon or decaffeinated tea.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink enough fluids.
Don't
- Don't become dehydrated. Clear, colorless urine (and having to urinate frequently) are signs that you're drinking enough.
- Don't smoke or vape. Avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke or vape, try to cut back as it can take longer to recover. If you're thinking about quitting tobacco, we can help. Call 1-866-251-4514 to speak to a wellness coach.
Medication
- Don’t take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) unless recommended by your doctor.
- Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed for pain.
- Follow dosage instructions listed on the product.
When to contact us
Don't ignore these symptoms. Call our 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at
1-866-454-8855 now if you have:
- A very sore throat and a hard time swallowing.
- Trouble breathing.
- A sore throat and a rash.
- White or yellow coating on the tonsils (back of throat).
- A mild sore throat for longer than 2 weeks.
As always, if you have questions or concerns you can:
Vomiting
Vomiting is unpleasant and can make you tired. Fortunately, it usually stops within 24 hours and is unlikely to harm your baby. It’s especially important to replace lost fluids to prevent dehydration.
Do
- Drink clear liquids like diluted fruit juice, broth, a sports drink, or weak decaffeinated tea an hour after vomiting. Start with a few sips every 20 minutes in the first hour.
- Eat toast, bananas, and crackers after your vomiting has stopped for several hours and you feel better.
- Return to a normal diet when you’re able to.
- Get plenty of rest.
Don't
- Don't become dehydrated. When the vomiting has stopped, try to drink fluids until your urine is colorless and you have to urinate frequently.
- Don't smoke or vape. Avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke or vape, try to cut back as it can take longer to recover. If you're thinking about quitting tobacco, we can help. Call 1-866-251-4514 to speak to a wellness coach.
Medication
- No over-the-counter medication recommended. Call us if you have questions about vomiting medication.
When to contact us
Don’t ignore these symptoms. Call our 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at
1-866-454-8855 now if you have:
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher.
- A severe headache, changes in vision, you’re unusually sleepy, or have a stiff neck.
- Blood in your vomit.
- Stomach pain that continues even when you’re not vomiting.
- Signs of dehydration (increased thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, or little or no urine for 8 hours or more).
As always, if you have questions or concerns you can speak to an advice nurse at 1-866-454-8855.
Diarrhea
Discomfort and mild cramps are normal with diarrhea. It usually goes away within a few days. It’s important to replace lost fluids to prevent dehydration.
Do
- Drink broth, soup, or a sports drink to replace lost fluids.
- Eat soft bland foods like bananas, toast, rice, or baked skinless chicken.
- Get plenty of rest.
Don't
- Don't eat or drink dairy products (they can make the diarrhea worse).
- Don't become dehydrated. Clear, colorless urine (and urinating frequently) are signs that you're drinking enough.
- Don't smoke or vape. Avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke or vape, try to cut back as it can take longer to recover. If you're thinking about quitting tobacco, we can help. Call 1-866-251-4514 to speak to a wellness coach.
Medication
- Call us before taking over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication.
When to contact us
Don't ignore these symptoms. Call our 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at
1-866-454-8855 now if you have:
- Diarrhea that is bloody, tar-like, or dark red, or if urine is bloody or brown.
- Severe belly pain or cramps that get worse.
- Signs of dehydration (increased thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, or little or no urine for 8 hours or more).
- 12 or more loose stools in 24 hours.
As always, if you have questions or concerns you can:
Have a chronic condition? Symptoms not to ignore
People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney or liver disorders, or a weakened immune system have a greater chance of developing complications and being hospitalized for respiratory illnesses.
When to contact usDon't ignore these symptoms. Call our 24/7 Appointment and Advice Call Center at 1-866-454-8855 or schedule a video or phone appointment now if:
- You have asthma, other lung conditions, or a heart problem, and a cough for 7 or more days.
- You have difficulty breathing.
- You're worried or have questions.