Flu Exposure Question

crossfit704 · January 2015

I feel like this is a dumb question but only because I don't want to call the OB and sound like an ass. I got my flu shot like I was supposed to. I just found out that I was exposed to someone who tested positive for Type A flu today. I was with her in close quarters for multiple hours yesterday. She thought she just had the sinus thing, then woke up a million times worse last night. Her dr. told her to call me and tell me ASAP. My OB closes at 130 on Friday so the only option is to call and ask the "urgent" line if I should just wait and watch or do something preventative.

Would you call? Would they even do something preventative?

Scarlettg · January 2015

I'm not a doc, but I would call your OB, even on the "urgent" line, to let them know and see if they have any advice. I only say that because the other person's doc insisted she call you and let you know, so obviously there is some concern. Also, it's Friday, which means your OB office won't be open again for two whole days, which can be significant. If there is something preventative they can do, and I have no idea if there is or isn't, then better to know now than to have missed your opportunity. Plus, that's what the docs are there for. I would call.

hillbillywife · January 2015

I think I've heard of doctors prescribing tamiflu preemptively. I would probably just try not to stress about it. If you show any signs of the flu then definitely call your doctor.

somewheresublime86 · January 2015

Yes, I would call. At least if you do get it, they'll be aware of the exposure. Plus, tamiflu.

spectacularly · January 2015

I would definitely call. Like PP said, if her doctor suggest she tell you asap, then they must have some concern. I hope you are okay though and do not catch it!

fourthtimesacharm · January 2015

How long ago did you get the flu shot and how long ago were you exposed to this person?

crossfit704 · January 2015

@fourthtimesachcarm I got the flu shot back at like 14 or 15 weeks pregnant….I was exposed yesterday at 25.5 weeks.

I called -- they said the nurse will call me back. My only actual concern is I've had the stuff head thing since last night which is how she started. Ugh. And of course I'm throwing a surprise party tonight for my husband.

fourthtimesacharm · January 2015

I hope you feel better! I was only asking because it takes 2 weeks for flu shot to kick in. Also incubation is 3 days, but you were just exposed yesterday. Get some rest and feel better soon.

RNmama2b · January 2015

I can totally relate OP! We went to a wedding and H's twin nieces were sick but I'm exposed to sick all the time so I brushed it off and made the most of my time with them throughout the entire weekend, Monday morning my SIL called to tell me the girls tested positive for Influenza A and were being treated for early Pneumonia.

I didn't want to do Tamiflu unless I started to experience symptoms so I took the wait it out approach and was planning on calling immediately if I started to experience symptoms but I'm glad you called! Hopefully it will give you a little peace of mind if anything! Hoping you stay healthy momma!

thing3ontheway · January 2015

Better safe then sorry to call. I would rather sound silly and be given something to help or potentially help then be dumb and not call and get nothing. Hope you don't get it! Good luck!!

mhickey426 · January 2015

Sick myself over here. My dr said he would have given me tamiflu if I went in sooner but not to stress to much cause it only takes about a day off your sick time. I am on a zpack cause it's in my chest. The dr said the best thing for me is rest. So take it easy and call your dr.

DMG122183 · January 2015

I would call if you have a concern. I work in an er and I've been exposed to flu about 50 times in the past month fwiw.

crossfit704 · January 2015

They said would normally see me in the office the next day -- but since its the weekend the prescribed tamiflu and said to start taking it asap since it was close contact confirmed exposure. I am hoping its just the head cold stuff and doesn't turn bad. They said by the end of the weekend if no flu I should be in the clear

Thanks for the help ladies

sagehens47 · January 2015

Fingers crossed it's an uneventful weekend for ya!

Jlotterman · January 2015

Better to be safe. Turns out the vaccine is not covering flu A very well or at all this season because the virus mutated post vaccine production. FX you feel better and not worse this weekend.

topaz7777 · January 2015

My doctor prescribed me tamiflu preemptively, but I have asthma problems so it may have been worth the risk. For what it's worth, I had sniffles for a day and that was it. Very glad I took it.

crossfit704 · January 2015

They decided to treat me with Tamiflu as preventative. They also figured 72 hours if I hadn't contracted it I should be safe…so Ill take the rest of the Tamiflu and seem to be good

HLA519 · January 2015

I'm surprised your doctor wanted you to take it for preventative measures. I tested Flu A + a couple weeks ago (yes, I had my flu shot), and although it was a rough few days, the symptoms did subside and baby was fine the entire time. I know some pregnant women can get very sick, but the urgent care doctor who I saw, as well as my OB, told me there is no need to treat a healthy, pregnant woman with Tamiflu.

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