To keep our pregnant patients safe, we follow the science — specifically, evidence-based recommendations.
Pregnancy brings changes in the immune system, heart and lungs, which increases the risk of severe influenza complications, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and increased risk of preterm labor and fetal complications. Given these risks, we provide our pregnant patients with evidence-based recommendations to protect both mom and baby.
Flu vaccine protection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend all pregnant people should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy. The inactivated influenza vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy, reducing the risk of influenza-related hospitalization by 40% to 60%.
Receiving the influenza vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of influenza infection in both the mother and the infant for up to six months after birth. Research shows no association between the influenza vaccine and an increased
risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, preterm birth or congenital malformations.
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Frequent handwashing with soap and water, or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, has been shown to reduce the transmission of respiratory infections, including influenza. Practicing proper respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into one’s elbow, also helps decrease the spread of illness.
Avoid crowded places and sick people
During peak flu season, pregnant individuals should minimize exposure to crowded places and avoid contact with individuals known to have the flu. The flu is highly contagious, and avoiding crowded places where the virus can spread easily is a key preventive measure. Studies show reducing exposure to potential sources of infection can lower the risk of contracting it. Consider wearing KN95 masks when in crowded spaces.
Early treatment with antivirals
Pregnant women who develop flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Antiviral medications (e.g., oseltamivir) should be initiated as early as possible. Antiviral medications are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset, though they can still be beneficial if started later. Early treatment with antivirals has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of influenza and decrease the risk of complications. The CDC recommends that pregnant individuals with suspected or confirmed influenza be treated with antiviral medications, as the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
General wellness and self-care
Anyone who is pregnant should maintain general wellness practices, including adequate rest, nutrition and hydration, to support their immune system during flu season. Following a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated and prioritizing rest helps reduce the risk of influenza
and other infections.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). [Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy](https://www.acog.org/en/womens-health/faqs/flu-vaccine-and-pregnancy).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). [Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy] (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/pregnant.htm).
Christian, L. M., et al. (2015). Immune changes in pregnancy and implications for the development of influenza and other infections. Journal of Immunology Research, 2015, 24.
Jefferson, T., et al. (2011). Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).
McMillan, M., et al. (2015). Safety of influenza vaccines during pregnancy: A systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 212(5), 549-565.
Monto, A. S. (2010). Epidemiology of influenza. Vaccine, 26(Suppl 4), D45-D48.
Nunes, M. C., et al. (2015). Influenza vaccination during pregnancy and protection against adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Infectious Diseases, 16(9), 1023-1034.
Rasmussen, S. A., et al. (2009). Pandemic Influenza and Pregnant Women: Summary of a Meeting of Experts. American Journal of Public Health, 99(Suppl 2), S248-S254.
Emily Joy Tyde, MS, LDM
541-515-6556
890 Beltline Road in Springfield
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