Catching the flu during pregnancy can feel extra scary. Your body is already working overtime growing your little one, which can make flu symptoms hit harder and raise the risk of complications like pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospital care. The good news? You’ve got a simple, powerful way to protect yourself and your baby: the flu shot. It’s your best line of defense for keeping both of you safe and sound.
Am I more likely to get the flu when I'm pregnant?
Unfortunately, you're more likely to get the flu when you're pregnant. That's because normal changes to your heart, lungs, and immune system when you're pregnant leave you more susceptible to viruses than you were before.
So even if you’re someone who typically sails through winter without so much as a sniffle, you may be more likely to get sick with a cold, flu, or other illness while you're pregnant.
Can the flu be dangerous during pregnancy?
Yes. Being pregnant puts you at significantly greater risk for serious flu complications, like pneumonia.[1] In fact, pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized from flu-related complications than non-pregnant women of the same age (which is why getting the flu shot as a preventative measure is so important).
"I ended up in the hospital for two weeks," says What to Expect Community mom Jamieand3babies, whose whole family had the flu over Christmas break. "It is very serious and scary."
What are symptoms of the flu in pregnancy?
Influenza (aka the flu) is more severe and comes on more suddenly than a cold. Symptoms include:
- Fever (usually 101 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit; call your health care practitioner if it climbs above 101 degrees)
- Intense muscle aches
- Chills
- A sore throat that generally worsens by the second or third day
- Headache
- General weakness and fatigue
- Occasional sneezing
- Cough that can become severe
- Occasionally nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
However, some people who have the flu have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
"I mainly had fatigue, coughing, and sneezing while my partner had high fever, nausea, and body aches/chills," says Community mom msp05.
Keep track of your medications with the My Journal tool in our free What to Expect app.
What causes the flu during pregnancy?
The flu is caused by influenza viruses. Because these viruses constantly mutate, there are countless strains — which also explains why the flu vaccine is different each year and why you need a new shot every flu season.
Can I get the flu shot during pregnancy?
Yes, it's safe to get the flu shot during pregnancy — and you should. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all moms-to-be get the flu shot to keep safe during flu season.[2]
You can get the flu shot at any time during your pregnancy, and there's plenty of evidence that the vaccine is safe for you and your baby. As a bonus, if you get immunized during the last trimester of pregnancy, you also help protect your baby from the flu for several months after birth.
The flu vaccine offers the most protection if it’s given early in flu season (ideally by the end of October). While it’s not 100% effective, it greatly increases your chances of avoiding the flu. And if you do get sick, your symptoms are likely to be milder if you've had your flu shot.
"The flu shot can be very helpful!" says Community mom anoncym. "I tested positive for the flu about a month after getting the shot, but I was only sick for three days and never had a fever. Highly recommend!"
Keep in mind that the nasal spray vaccine (FluMist), which is made from live weakened virus, isn't recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Check with your health care practitioner if you have questions.
If you're still not convinced about getting vaccinated against influenza while you're pregnant, talk to your practitioner, who can answer all your questions and concerns.
What happens if I get the flu while pregnant?
If you suspect that you have the flu, call your practitioner right away to get a firm diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your practitioner may recommend a rapid flu test and prescribe an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu. Antiviral medications won't cure the flu, but they can help you feel better by curbing your symptoms.[3] These medications work best if you start them within two days of symptom onset, so early detection is key.
These steps can also help you feel more comfortable:
- Keep in close contact with your practitioner.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids to soothe your sore throat and replace what’s lost by fever.
- Take any prescribed antiviral medication as directed.
- Eat well, if you can, focusing on vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, grapefruit, kiwis, pineapple, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, kale, broccoli, and spinach) and foods that are high in zinc (lean red meat, chicken breast, fortified cereal, eggs, chickpeas, spinach, broccoli, kale, and pumpkin seeds).
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin, which offers a pregnancy-safe dose of vitamin C and zinc in addition to the folate, calcium, and other nutrients you and your baby need.
- Use a spoonful or two of honey to soothe a cough.
Since a high fever can be harmful, take steps to reduce it:
- Take a fever-reducing medication as recommended by your practitioner. (Acetaminophen — aka Tylenol — is the safest bet.)
- Try a lukewarm bath or shower.
- Drink cool fluids.
- Wear lightweight clothing and use light bedding.
Are there safe medications for the flu during pregnancy?
Yes. While some medications are off-limits now, with your practitioner's approval there are still some meds that are safe to take to relieve flu symptoms during pregnancy:
- Antivirals. Tamiflu and other antivirals are safe and recommended when prescribed. "All of my kids had the flu, and the second I started having symptoms I called my doctor, who prescribed Tamiflu," says Community mom sweetbb18. "My symptoms never progressed to the high fever my kids had. I really think it works well."
- Acetaminophen. If you're running a fever or suffering from nasty body aches or headaches, it's generally considered safe to take products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. Confirm the right dosing with your practitioner.
- Cough remedies. Expectorants (like Mucinex), cough suppressants (such as Robitussin or Vicks 44), and most cough drops are considered safe during pregnancy, but ask your practitioner about whether they're okay for you and about dosing.
- Some nasal sprays. Most steroid-containing nasal sprays are fine to use during pregnancy, but check with your practitioner about brands and dosing. Plain saline drops and sprays are always safe to take when you're expecting and can help clear and moisturize a stuffy nose.
- Some antihistamines. Benadryl and Claritin often get the green light during pregnancy, but be sure to check with your practitioner before taking them. Some practitioners will advise staying away from those medications in the first trimester.
Remember: Never take any medication (prescription, over the counter, or homeopathic) without consulting with a practitioner who knows you’re expecting.
What flu medications should I avoid during pregnancy?
Some of the medications that could help with flu symptoms are off the table for moms-to-be. These include:
- Some pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), and naproxen (Aleve)
- Most decongestants. Decongestants like Claritin-D, Sudafed, and DayQuil, unless approved by your practitioner.
- Some nasal sprays. Nonsteroidal nasal decongestant sprays containing oxymetazoline (like Afrin), unless given the green light by your practitioner.
- Supplements and homeopathic remedies. Never take echinacea or other supplements without your practitioner's approval.
Don't put off calling your practitioner or hesitate to take a prescribed medication because you think all drugs are harmful in pregnancy. When it comes to the flu, early treatment is important for both you and your baby.
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