How to Manage the Flu While Pregnant

Flu season has arrived, and if you’re expecting a new arrival, it is understandable to have concerns, particularly given the COVID-19 pandemic. With flu season coinciding with the novel coronavirus pandemic, it’s never been more important to stay healthy if you’re pregnant. Here are answers to commonly asked questions about managing the flu while pregnant.

How can you prevent the flu during pregnancy?

The single most important thing you can do to prevent the flu if you’re pregnant is to go get your flu shot as soon as possible. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all pregnant women get a flu shot during the flu season, regardless of their trimester.

In addition to receiving the flu shot, this year it is very important to follow all public health guidelines pertaining to COVID-19. Measures such as frequent hand washing, social distancing from others, limiting gatherings to just a few people, staying away from anyone who is sick, and wearing a mask will help prevent flu infection while you’re pregnant. Both viral infections are spread via person to person transmission. So if you’re pregnant during flu season, remember to follow all COVID-19 guidelines for the best chance of preventing the flu.

Should you get the flu shot if you are pregnant?

All people over the age of six months need to get the flu shot, including pregnant women. According to the CDC, pregnant women and their babies are at greater risk for complications from the flu, and pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized from the flu than women who are not pregnant. This is because changes in your immune system, your heart, and your lungs while pregnant make you more susceptible to severe illness from the flu.

It is especially critical for pregnant women to get the flu shot this flu season since we are simultaneously living through a global pandemic. Studies have shown that the flu shot can lower the risk of flu-related hospitalization in pregnant women by 40 percent.

Additionally, the antibodies generated by your body from the flu shot will be passed onto your baby. This helps provide extra protection to the baby during the first few months after birth when the child is too young to get the flu shot.

Pregnant Women Should Not Receive a Live Vaccine or Nasal Spray

Pregnant women need to know that they should only get the flu shot. They should never receive the live attenuated vaccine (LAIV) which is available as the nasal flu vaccine (FluMist). This type of vaccine is made with the weakened “live” virus and should be avoided by women who are pregnant.

What to do if you Get the Flu While Pregnant

Despite taking all preventative measures, there is a small chance that you can still get the flu while pregnant. Flu symptoms, which tend to develop overnight, include:

Fever
Weakness or fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Chills
Headache
Sneezing and coughing
Sore throat that usually worsens over time
Nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhea

If you wake up to any of these symptoms, call your health care provider immediately, as early treatment for the flu is essential for pregnant women. However, you should not go to the ER, or to urgent care until you’ve spoken with your physician or a member of their team. Symptoms of the flu and the coronavirus are similar, so you may be routed to a coronavirus testing station to rule out COVID-19.

By taking quick action, your health care provider can diagnose and prescribe treatments to help you recover sooner. It also is important to act quickly because medications that are used to treat the flu, should be taken within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

Safe Medications to Use for the Flu During Pregnancy

Currently, two antiviral medications are recommended by the CDC to treat the flu in pregnant women. Tamiflu (available generically as oseltamivir) is taken twice daily for five days. It is available in both the capsule and suspension forms. Relenza is also recommended by the CDC for the treatment of flu in pregnant women. Relenza is available in inhalation form with a typical dosage of two initial inhalations, followed by one inhalation twice per day for ten days.

The RxSaver price for oseltamivir at major retail pharmacies starts at $29.49

The RxSaver price for Relenza at major retail pharmacies starts at $66.68

Flu Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy

Currently, the only recommended flu treatments for pregnant women are Tamiflu and Relenza. Therefore, other medications should be avoided, until you have spoken with your health care professional.

Also, avoid taking homeopathic treatments, such as those containing high doses of Echinacea, Zinc, or vitamin C, as they may cause overdose and lead to harm for you or your baby. Check with your health care provider before consuming these supplements, or other medications to treat the flu while you are pregnant.

Can the flu be dangerous during pregnancy?

The flu can be very dangerous during pregnancy, which is why you should contact your health care provider immediately if you develop flu symptoms. A fever caused by the flu or by other infections may be linked to birth defects.

Pregnant women are also particularly vulnerable to complications from the flu including:

Staying Healthy While Pregnant During Flu Season

To reduce your risk of illness while pregnant, increase your efforts to be as healthy as possible. Be sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat a healthy diet. Engage in physical activity as recommended by your health care provider. Get your flu shot early in the season, and be sure to follow all public health recommendations for preventing COVID-19, as they will also help protect you from the flu while you’re pregnant.

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*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 9/21/2020. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.