Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of complications from the flu due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy.

Influenza during pregnancy can also affect the health of the developing baby. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to take preventive measures to avoid the flu and get vaccinated.

Complications from the Flu During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more likely to develop severe complications from the flu compared to non-pregnant women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are at higher risk for hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death if they get the flu. Influenza can also lead to preterm labor, premature delivery, low birth weight, and fetal distress.

Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy

Getting vaccinated against the flu is the best way to protect pregnant women and their developing babies from the flu. The flu vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy.

The CDC recommends that all pregnant women receive the flu vaccine during any trimester of their pregnancy. Studies have shown that getting vaccinated during pregnancy not only protects the pregnant woman but also protects their newborns from the flu for several months after birth.

Who Should Not Get the Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy?

There are some cases where it may not be safe to get the flu vaccine during pregnancy. Women who are allergic to any component of the flu vaccine or have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past should not get the flu vaccine.

Women who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, within six weeks of a previous flu vaccine should also not get the flu vaccine.

Preventing the Flu During Pregnancy

There are several preventive measures that pregnant women can take to avoid getting the flu:.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid close contact with sick people
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and work

What to Do If You Get the Flu During Pregnancy

If a pregnant woman suspects that she has the flu, she should contact her healthcare provider immediately. Antiviral medication can be used to treat the flu in pregnant women.

Antiviral medication can help reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, and prevent complications from the flu.

Conclusion

Influenza during pregnancy can be a serious health concern for both the mother and the developing baby. Pregnant women should take preventive measures to avoid the flu and get vaccinated.

The flu vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy and can protect the pregnant woman and her developing baby. If a pregnant woman suspects that she has the flu, she should contact her healthcare provider immediately and seek treatment with antiviral medication.