How to Protect You and Your Baby From Flu During Pregnancy

This article is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a supporter of Peanut and women alike.

Let’s be real: No one wants to get sick with flu. But for pregnant people, flu can be very serious. Yes, even if you are generally healthy, pregnancy increases your risk of ending up hospitalized with flu.

But don't worry, there are preventive actions that you can take this flu season. We’ve linked up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to give you the right information to help tame flu for two.

And the first line of defense: a flu shot. For pregnant people, getting a flu shot is the first and most important action you can take to protect both yourself and your baby from flu and its potentially serious complications.

So, take a deep breath, brave mama-to-be, we’ve got all the tips for fall and winter to help keep you and your baby protected from flu.

In this article: 📝

What are the dangers of flu?

First, let's understand what we’re up against. Flu — or influenza — is a contagious respiratory illness that can infect the throat, nose, and lungs. Flu can cause mild to severe illness.

Pregnant people are at higher risk of hospitalization from flu. If you have flu symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, body aches, headache), it’s important to call your healthcare provider right away.

Should I get a flu shot while pregnant?

CDC recommends that pregnant people get a flu shot during any trimester of pregnancy to reduce your risk of getting flu and having serious flu outcomes like hospitalization. Data also shows that a flu shot can reduce the risk of getting flu by up to 50% and also can reduce the risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40%. Importantly, getting vaccinated during pregnancy also can protect your baby from flu for the first few months after birth when they’re too young to get a flu vaccine.

A new study published last month shows that getting a flu shot while pregnant reduces the risk of flu-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations by one-third among infants younger than 6 months. For infants younger than 3 months, their risk of flu illness was reduced by over half if mom was vaccinated while pregnant.

What are the benefits of getting a flu shot during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your immune system takes a real hit, and your heart and lungs are under increased pressure. These changes can make you more susceptible to illness, especially those of a respiratory nature, like the flu.

Getting a flu shot during pregnancy not only boosts your immune protection to flu, but it can reduce your baby’s risk of getting flu in their first few months when they're too young to get vaccinated. This is a big deal when you consider that babies younger than six months of age are at higher risk of being hospitalized for flu than other children.

The antibodies your body develops after getting a flu shot are passed on to your developing baby before birth, protecting them from flu for the first few months of their life. And for an added layer of defense, it helps to have other caregivers of infants and young children get their flu shots too — especially those people who are helping you during your postpartum recovery.

Is it safe to get a flu shot while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Whether you’re nurturing your little one in the womb or while breastfeeding, the desire to safeguard them from any potential harm tops the list of priorities. Flu shots have been given to millions of pregnant people for more than 50 years with an excellent safety record.

And a bonus of breastfeeding after getting a flu shot is passing on protective antibodies against the flu to your baby through your breast milk.

Flu shots have been given to millions of pregnant women worldwide, and both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that all pregnant women get the flu shot. Additionally, a large study conducted over three flu seasons concluded that there is no correlation between getting the flu vaccine and an increased risk of miscarriage. There's also no link between the flu shot and preterm labor or birth defects, which should go some way to ease pregnant women’s concerns over the safety of the shot.

Why you shouldn't get the flu shot while pregnant

So, are there any reasons not to get flu shots while pregnant? Many flu vaccines contain egg protein, so if you have a severe egg allergy, it’s important to let your doctor know and request an egg-free vaccine.

It’s also recommended to get the flu vaccine via injection, as the nasal spray vaccine has not been approved for use during pregnancy. But aside from that, you’re good to go, mama-to-be. Get that shot!

What are the side effects of the flu shot while pregnant?

Side effects from having the flu shot while pregnant are much the same as those for the non-pregnant population. Some mild symptoms may be felt for a day or two, such as soreness around the injection site, fever, headache, and muscle aches.

If you’re concerned about any symptoms you have after getting your flu shot, you can always call your doctor to discuss.

When should I get a flu shot during pregnancy?

It’s safe to have the shot during your first, second, or third trimester, so the best thing to do is time your shot for the start of flu season. The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine during September or October but ideally by the end of October.

However, if you're in your third trimester in July or August and the flu vaccine is available, CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine at that time to provide protection to both you and your baby ahead of the upcoming flu season. Of course, you can always talk with your healthcare provider to tailor decisions to your unique health circumstances. They can provide advice based on the most current research and your personal health situation.

What are the symptoms of flu?

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than in adults. People may be infected with flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

If you get flu symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away. There are prescription flu antiviral medications that can treat flu illness and prevent serious flu complications, including an option that can be taken during pregnancy.

What to do if you get flu while pregnant?

Discovering that you have flu while pregnant can be unnerving. Here are some proactive steps you can take to navigate flu during pregnancy:

• Contact your healthcare provider: Your first call should be to your medical provider. They can offer specific advice and may prescribe antiviral medications to prevent serious complications and help you recover more quickly.
• Antiviral treatment: Antiviral medications work by keeping flu viruses from multiplying in your body, lessening symptom severity, and speeding up your recovery in the process. They may also help prevent potential illness complications and work best when started early (within 48 hours of the start of symptoms).
• Monitor your symptoms: If you notice any worsening signs or symptoms like high fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
• Separate yourself: To protect others in your household, try to stay away from common areas and wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus.

How can flu affect pregnancy?

Flu is more likely to cause illness that results in hospitalization in pregnant people than in people of reproductive age who are not pregnant. It may also cause complications such as pneumonia in the later stages of pregnancy. Flu also may increase the chances of some adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Will the flu shot help my baby?

Yes! Not only will getting a flu shot while pregnant help protect you, but it will also help protect your baby from the virus once they’re born. Babies can’t get their own flu vaccine until they’re six months old, but antibodies from your vaccine will cross the placenta to give your baby some protection from day one. If you already gave birth and are breastfeeding, getting a flu shot is still a good idea, as antibodies will pass through your breastmilk to your baby. Amazing!

How to best prepare for flu season

The best way to reduce risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu shot each year. Still, there are several other actions you can take to help protect yourself and your little one as flu season approaches:

• Wash your hands frequently: Simple yet powerful. Carry around hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t readily available. And encourage those around you to do the same to create a safe circle for you and your baby.
• Avoid close contact: Keeping a safe distance from others, especially those who are sick, is key—same if you’re unwell too. It’s a small step with a significant impact on protecting yourself and your baby.
• Stay home when sick unless it’s to get medical care: If you’re unwell, staying home is very important. It not only allows your body time to heal but also avoids passing on flu to others. The errands can wait. If you have to go out to get medical care, consider wearing a well-fitted mask to protect others.
• Cover your cough and sneeze: Those little droplets from coughing and sneezing can be vehicles for flu virus, so equip yourself with tissues and cover your mouth and nose when you need to cough or sneeze.
• Be mindful of touch: Refrain from touching your face. This can help prevent germs from finding their way into your system.
• Embrace good health practices: Get plenty of sleep and hydration, choose nutritious meals, and get gentle exercise as you are able.
• Increase ventilation at home: Open up windows and doors, use air filters, or turn on fans to stop virus particles from building up indoors.

Learn more about flu and pregnancy at cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/pregnant.htm.