Flu During Pregnancy

Catching the flu during pregnancy is one of the worst nightmares for almost all moms-to-be. If you become sick with flu, you may worry about the infection affecting your unborn baby. Find out what risks the flu poses to you and your baby and how can you safely get treated while pregnant.  

In general, flu is pretty common and pregnant women tend to have a higher risk of catching flu because their immune system is weakened during pregnancy. The good news is that a common cold or even mild flu will not harm your baby while you are pregnant. So if you do come down with flu, it’s crucial to make sure you keep your fever down, stay well-hydrated and get enough rest.  

How to protect yourself and your unborn child from the flu? 

  • Avoid sharing food, utensils, or cups with others. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and throat & wash your hands frequently. 
  • Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use it often during the day. 
  • Stay away from family members who show signs of infection (e.g. sneezing / coughing). 
  • Sleep well and consume healthy food. 
  • Remain hydrated; drink plenty of water frequently. 
  • Get the flu shot. It is encouraged for all pregnant women to get the flu shot (unless they have a significant allergy to eggs or the flu vaccine). The beneficial thing about getting the flu shot while you’re pregnant is that your baby will receive a boost of passive immunity against the flu virus too. It will give the baby some protection after birth (up to 6 months old) from flu. 
  • It is important to call your obstetrician if your symptoms are causing you not eat or sleep well, or if they last for more than a couple of days without improving. It is also important to have an urgent consultation if you develop a fever that is 38° celsius or higher. 
  • Lastly, if you start to feel dizzy, confused, or if you begin to cough up discolored mucus or feel chest discomfort and/or wheezing, make sure to call your Obstetrician promptly. 

What’s the best way to treat the flu during pregnancy?  

  • Use sugar or honey-based lozenges to relieve sore throats and cough. 
  • Get plenty of rest, and raise your head while sleeping to ease nasal congestion. 
  • Drink ample fluids such as water, fresh juice, as well as warm drinks in case of throat ache. 
  • Put an air humidifier in your room to provide extra moisture, it can help reduce congestion. 
  • A few over-the-counter medications can help and are known to be safe during pregnancy; Paracetamol is safe to take for headache, sore throat and body aches, provided that you do not exceed two 500 mg tablets at one time, and no more than eight tablets per day. 

When to Call Your Obstetrician  

If your symptoms are causing you not eat or sleep well, or if they last for more than a couple of days without improving. It is also important to have an urgent consultation if you develop a fever that is 38° Celsius or higher. 

If you suffer from dehydration, consult your obstetrician immediately as severe dehydration specifically can lead to preterm contractions, and a high fever may also affect your baby’s development if you’re still in the first trimester. 

If you start to feel dizzy, confused, or if you begin to cough up discolored mucus or feel chest discomfort and/or wheezing. 

(Written by: Dr. Amaya Carreras Ugarte, obstetrician/gynecologist and resident doctor in German Medical Center)