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Pregnancy and the Flu

Worried about getting the flu during pregnancy? While catching the flu during pregnancy rarely causes birth defects, pregnancy can increase your risk for flu complications such as pneumonia. The best way to have a healthy pregnancy is to try to prevent the flu altogether.

What's the Best Way to Prevent the Flu During Pregnancy?

To prevent the flu, get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is the number one way to prevent the flu. Studies show that viral illness like the flu and colds usually last three times longer in pregnant women.

Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December is still wise.

Is the Flu Shot Dangerous During Pregnancy?

The flu shot does not contain the live virus and cannot give you the flu. Some women do have fatigue and muscle aches due to their immune system responding to the vaccine. In addition, the flu shot is also safe while breastfeeding. It cannot cause you or your nursing baby to get sick. The shot takes about two weeks to work. The nasal flu vaccine should not be used in pregnant women.

How Do You Find a Place to Get a Flu Shot?

The American Lung Association offers an online flu vaccine clinic locator. Visit www.flucliniclocator.org, enter a zip code and a date (or dates), and receive information about clinics scheduled in your area.

There is also a nasal flu vaccine called FluMist that contains live but weakened viruses. The nasal flu vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy because it has not been tested in pregnant women. The FluMist nasal vaccine can be used in healthy people aged 2-49 years old.

How Should I Treat Cold or Flu Symptoms During Pregnancy?

Many flu and cold medications have not been well studied in pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have the flu, call your doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription drug.

Treatments for cold and flu symptoms that your doctor may suggest during pregnancy include:

Acetaminophen, the preferred treatment for fever, aches and pains of flu and colds during pregnancy
Saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation
Pseudoephedrine, the decongestant may be helpful for some people. Avoid pseudoephedrine in the first trimester or if you have hypertension.

These treatments are found commonly among over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. Check labels carefully.

Pregnant women with flu are at greater risk of serious illness and death from flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommend the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) in pregnant women with suspected or test-proven flu.

What Are Some Natural Ways to Treat Flu Symptoms During Pregnancy?

Try these four natural flu remedies during pregnancy:

Use sugar or honey-based lozenges to relieve sore throats and cough.
Get plenty of bed rest.
Drink ample fluids, such as water, juice, and caffeine-free tea.
Put an air humidifier in your room to provide extra moisture, which can help reduce congestion.

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