Flu During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Coming down with the flu while pregnant may involve symptoms like high fever, sore throat, runny nose, and congestion. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is easily spread through contact with an infected person.

The immune system undergoes changes during pregnancy and may become weaker and overburdened, putting the pregnant person at higher risk for infections like the flu. 

Flu during pregnancy is managed by an OBGYN. Treatment may include rest and drinking lots of fluids, and may also involve the use of medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help lower fever and oseltamivir to prevent the infection from getting worse. Admission to the hospital may be necessary in the most severe cases. 

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of the flu during pregnancy are:

• Sudden onset of fever greater than 100.4ºF (38ºC);
• Dry cough;
• Runny nose or congestion;
• Headache and sore throat;
• Body aches;
• Loss of appetite;
• Fatigue and malaise.

Flu symptoms usually begin around two to three days after being in contact with someone who has the flu. It is important to contact your OBGYN or midwife if you have been exposed to the flu or have any symptoms so that treatment can be started as soon as possible. 

Admission to the hospital may be required in the case of persistent or severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or confusion. This will allow for close monitoring that can help prevent both maternal and fetal complications. 

Is the flu dangerous in pregnancy?

Getting the flu while pregnant is potentially dangerous due to the weakened state of the immune system during pregnancy. Symptoms of the flu may be more severe during pregnancy and lead to complications like pneumonia. 

Pregnancy risks

Flu during pregnancy can affect fetal development, resulting in neural tube defects or congenital anomalies. 

Having the flu while pregnant can also increase the risk for miscarriage, premature birth, and low birthweight.

Treatment recommendations

The following strategies are recommended as soon as the first symptoms arise:

1. Getting plenty of rest

Rest is important in helping the immune system fight the flu virus and in relieving symptoms including dry cough.

It is important to avoid physical activity, as it can lower your body's defenses and slow down the recovery process. Resting at home can also help prevent exposure to other illnesses. 

2. Increasing fluid intake

Drinking lots of water is important to help maintain hydration, especially if you have symptoms like fever and vomiting that can increase the risk of dehydration. 

Drinking water also helps hydrate and moisten the respiratory passages, helping to relieve a dry cough by thinning mucous secretions and reducing throat irritation.

For these reasons, it is important to drink at least 2 liters of water a day in small sips. Pregnant people who have difficulty drinking water can try adding lemon to give some flavor and make it easier to drink. 

3.  Trying warm drinks

Warm drinks like tea or warm milk can help keep the body warm and moisten the airways, providing relief from sore throat and dry cough.   

Tea made with lemon and honey is a good option due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that increase the natural defenses of the body to help fight the flu virus. 

4. Adding immune-boosting foods

Increasing your consumption of immune-boosting foods such as citrus fruits and green vegetables can help strengthen your immune system to fight the flu virus. 

These foods are rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant effects that combat free radicals causing cell damage and inflammation. Consuming foods high in vitamin C can help augment your natural defense system.

5. Avoiding self-treatment

During pregnancy, it is important to avoid self-treating with any medications or supplements, as some of these treatments may be contraindicated in pregnancy and could interfere with fetal development or cause birth defects.

Make sure to talk to your OBGYN or midwife before taking any medications or receiving any vaccines to make sure they are safe for pregnancy. 

6. Calling your doctor

It is important to contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of flu symptoms. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your OBGYN or midwife may want you to come in for an evaluation. Medications like acetaminophen may be recommended for fever reduction. Your provider may also prescribe a medication called oseltamivir to reduce symptoms and shorten recovery.

It is important to be followed closely by your provider while being treated for the flu during pregnancy. This is to help identify any potential complications and ensure that treatment is working and symptoms are improving. 

When to see a doctor

It is important to seek emergency medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: 

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Peristent fever that does improve with the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• Cough or fever that improves initially then worsens;
• Decreased blood pressure;
• Dizziness or confusion;
• Chest pain or pressure in your belly;
• Decreased or absent fetal movement;
• Intense body aches or extreme fatigue;
• Seizures.

At the hospital, you will likely be swabbed for the flu and other infections. The sample will be sent to the lab for analysis. You will also likely be given oseltamivir to help prevent progression of the infection if it has not been prescribed already. 

Prevention measures

Important care measures to help avoid getting the flu while pregnant include: 

• Avoiding spending long periods of time in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation and lots of people, such as shopping malls or gyms; 
• Avoiding contact with people who have the flu;
• Washing your hands well with soap and water before and after touching people;
• Using hand sanitizer;
• Avoiding kissing, hugging, and shaking hands;
• Avoiding touching surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
• Avoiding sharing drinks, cups, and cutlery;
• Avoiding sharing personal objects that might be contaminated with droplets of saliva or respiratory secretions, like toothbrushes;
• Using a tissue or your sleeve to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Another important way to avoid getting the flu while pregnant is to get your flu shot, which is safe at all stages of pregnancy.

These measures are not only important for preventing the flu, but also to help avoid new infections as well as spreading the virus to others. 

Natural remedies

Natural remedies can be used in combination with treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider to help relieve symptoms and accelerate recovery.

A saline nebulizer is a good option to help relieve nasal congestion, while salt water gargles or honey can help with a sore throat. 

Drinking tea with lemon and honey can also help boost the immune system. Not all teas are considered safe for pregnancy, so make sure to check with your doctor or midwife first.