Pregnancy and Flu: Ensuring Safety and Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention
Pregnancy brings about significant changes in a woman's immune system, making her more susceptible to severe illness from influenza. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections, preterm labor, low birth weight, fetal distress, and even miscarriage compared to non-pregnant women[1][3][5].
Fortunately, the flu shot is a safe and effective measure to protect both pregnant individuals and their babies from serious flu-related complications[1][2][3][5]. The flu shot is safe during any trimester of pregnancy and has been administered safely to millions of pregnant individuals over many years[2][5]. Leading health organizations, including the CDC, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), and others, strongly recommend flu vaccination for pregnant people[2][5].
Flu vaccination during pregnancy protects both the mother and the baby. It reduces the risk of severe illness for the mother and also provides passive immunity to the infant through antibody transfer via the placenta. This reduces the infant’s risk of contracting the flu by about 44% in the first six months of life, when the infant is too young to be vaccinated[3][5]. Multiple studies have found no increased risk of miscarriage or other adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with receiving the flu vaccine during pregnancy[2].
If necessary, pregnant women should take medicines in the smallest effective amounts for the shortest possible time. However, they should avoid taking medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and should consult their healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications[6]. Antiviral medications work best when taken within 48 hours after symptoms appear, and a pregnant woman should see a doctor as soon as possible if they think they have caught the flu, as a healthcare provider may start them on antiviral medication as soon as possible[4].
In addition to getting the flu shot, pregnant women can take preventative measures to avoid contracting the flu. These include frequently washing hands with warm water and soap, getting adequate rest, avoiding close contact with sick family or friends, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and eating a healthful diet. If a pregnant woman is worried at any time, they should contact their healthcare provider[7].
It's important to note that having the flu shot during pregnancy reduces the risk of stillbirth by a significant amount compared to those who do not get vaccinated[8]. For more information and resources to help keep pregnant women healthy during the flu season, visit a dedicated hub[9].
References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Pregnant Women and Flu. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/pregnant.htm [2] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Influenza Vaccine: Recommendations for Pregnant Women. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/09/influenza-vaccine-recommendations-for-pregnant-women [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Antiviral Drugs for Treatment of Flu in Pregnant Women. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/pregflu.htm [5] World Health Organization. (2021). Influenza Vaccines: Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/immunization/services/diseases/Influenza_vaccines_pregnancy.pdf [6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Pregnant Women and Medicines. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/meds/index.htm [7] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Flu Shot and Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/prenatal-care-and-lab-tests/flu-shot-and-pregnancy/ [8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Flu and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm [9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Flu Vaccine Finder. Retrieved from https://www.flu.gov/vaccinefinder/
- Despite pregnant women being more vulnerable to severe flu complications, the Pfizer vaccine, a safe and effective flu shot, is recommended by leading medical organizations to protect both mother and baby.
- The flu vaccine administered during pregnancy not only protects the mother from severe illness but also provides passive immunity to the infant, thereby blocking the risk of the infant contracting the flu by about 44% in the first six months of life.
- In addition to getting the flu vaccine, pregnant women should follow health-and-wellness practices to avoid contracting the flu, such as frequent hand washing, adequate rest, and maintaining a healthful diet.
