Flu During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks & Safe Treatments
06 Apr 2025
Catching the flu while pregnant can be more severe than usual because pregnancy weakens your immune system. The flu can increase risks for both you and your baby, but the good news is there are safe treatments and ways to protect yourself!
Let’s dive into flu symptoms, pregnancy-safe remedies, and when to call your doctor.
Lung & heart changes – Pregnancy increases stress on these organs.
Higher fever risk – High fevers in early pregnancy may affect fetal development. Severe flu can lead to pneumonia, preterm labor, or hospitalization—so don’t ignore symptoms!
Chills & body aches
Cough & sore throat
Runny/stuffy nose
Severe fatigue & weakness
Shortness of breath
Headaches If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a persistent high fever, call your doctor immediately.
Rest as much as possible—your body needs energy to fight the virus.
Cough drops & lozenges – Help soothe sore throats.
Saline nasal spray – Clears congestion naturally. Avoid decongestants like Sudafed unless approved by your doctor.
Steam inhalation – Relieves nasal congestion.
Ginger tea – Helps with nausea & immunity. Always check with your doctor before using herbal remedies.
Safe at any stage of pregnancy – The flu shot is NOT a live virus, so it’s safe.
Avoid the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist), which contains live virus.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Severe dehydration (dizzy, not urinating often)
Persistent vomiting & inability to keep fluids down
Chest pain or confusion
Decreased fetal movement If you have severe flu symptoms, your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu (antiviral medication) to reduce complications.
Why Is the Flu More Dangerous During Pregnancy?
Pregnant women are at higher risk of flu complications because: Weakened immune system – Makes it harder to fight off infections.Lung & heart changes – Pregnancy increases stress on these organs.
Higher fever risk – High fevers in early pregnancy may affect fetal development. Severe flu can lead to pneumonia, preterm labor, or hospitalization—so don’t ignore symptoms!
Flu Symptoms in Pregnancy
Fever (often 100°F or higher)Chills & body aches
Cough & sore throat
Runny/stuffy nose
Severe fatigue & weakness
Shortness of breath
Headaches If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a persistent high fever, call your doctor immediately.
Safe Flu Treatments for Pregnant Women
While some medications are off-limits during pregnancy, there are safe ways to relieve flu symptoms.1. Rest & Hydration
Drink plenty of fluids (water, tea, broth) to stay hydrated.Rest as much as possible—your body needs energy to fight the virus.
2. Pregnancy-Safe Medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Safe for fever & aches (but avoid ibuprofen & aspirin).Cough drops & lozenges – Help soothe sore throats.
Saline nasal spray – Clears congestion naturally. Avoid decongestants like Sudafed unless approved by your doctor.
3. Natural Home Remedies
Warm honey & lemon tea – Soothes sore throats.Steam inhalation – Relieves nasal congestion.
Ginger tea – Helps with nausea & immunity. Always check with your doctor before using herbal remedies.
Should You Get a Flu Shot While Pregnant?
YES! The CDC and doctors strongly recommend the flu shot during pregnancy. Protects you & your baby – Reduces flu complications and antibodies protect baby after birth.Safe at any stage of pregnancy – The flu shot is NOT a live virus, so it’s safe.
Avoid the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist), which contains live virus.
When to Call Your Doctor
Seek medical help immediately if you have: Fever over 102°F that won’t go downShortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Severe dehydration (dizzy, not urinating often)
Persistent vomiting & inability to keep fluids down
Chest pain or confusion
Decreased fetal movement If you have severe flu symptoms, your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu (antiviral medication) to reduce complications.
