It has been observed that flu causes more complications in pregnant women leading to severe illnesses than compared to women of the same reproductive age but not pregnant. This is basically due to the result of the complex changes in the body of pregnant women, such as changes in the heart, immune system, and lungs. Flu can also be harmful to the growth and development of the fetus. One of the most common symptoms of flu is a fever that can be associated with neural tube defects or some other problem linked with neonatal development.

Getting a flu vaccine is one of the best protections against it
When it comes to getting protection against flu, the first and the most important thing to do is get a flu vaccine. Pregnant women should get the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), popularly known as the nasal spray flu vaccine. The best part about getting a flu vaccine during pregnancy is that it protects both the mother as well as the child. Studies done on vaccination have shown that it reduced the cases of pregnant women getting hospitalized due to flu by around 40%. Not only does the vaccinated mother pass on the flu resistance to their babies, but the babies also remain unaffected by flu even for a few months after they are born.

More on flu shots
When it comes to getting a flu shot, it has been successfully administered to millions of pregnant women around the world along with an amazing safety record. Now, there is a considerable amount of evidence supporting the fact that flu vaccines can be safely administered during pregnancy (though the data are more focused on the first trimester). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that flu shots can be given during any trimester of the pregnancy. Hence, it becomes imperative for women to get a flu shot during pregnancy.

Other precautionary measures

• Apart from getting the much-recommended flu shot during pregnancy, pregnant women should take basic preventative measure that CDC recommends to everyone, such as washing hands often, avoiding people who are sick, and covering coughs.
• Early treatment is vital when it comes to pregnant women.
• Treatment should be started as early as possible, and this is mainly because the antiviral drugs are known to work best when started early (the first two days are the most crucial).
• Antiviral medications tend to make the flu milder and the person starts feeling better faster.
• Do note that you need a doctor’s prescription when taking antiviral medications.
• One of the most preferred treatments when it comes to flu in pregnant women is oral oseltamivir. This is mainly due to the fact that most of the studies done on this medicine have shown it to be the safest.

Emergency medical attention
Look out for the signs listed below and seek immediate medical attention if you encounter them.

• Difficulty in breathing
• Sudden dizziness
• Persistent vomiting
• A pressure in the abdomen or chest
• Confusion
• High fever that is not responding to normal medicines
• Restricted or no movement of the baby.

Flu can create many complications for pregnant women and their fetus. Hence, getting immunization against it and following some basic hygiene can keep the pregnant woman and her baby safe.