Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system, such as the nose, throat, and lungs. Early symptoms of the flu typically include a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.

Over time, the symptoms will progress to fever, muscle aches, chills and sweating, headache, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, runny or stuffy nose, pain behind the eyes, and sometimes nausea and diarrhea.

Flu symptoms in nonpregnant vs pregnant women

For most people, flu symptoms will usually improve on their own. You may only be advised to rest a lot, eat nutritious foods, and drink plenty of water. If the symptoms are severe enough, the doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to prevent serious complications.

However, it's different for pregnant women. These symptoms can cause severe illness. Due to changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy, pregnant women are more vulnerable to influenza. When they get the flu, pregnant women may even require hospital treatment.

Flu and fever in pregnant women are also associated with neural tube defects and poor fetal development. To prevent this, pregnant women are advised to get the flu vaccine so that antibodies can be passed on to the developing fetus in the womb.

Is the flu vaccine safe for pregnant women?

The CDC states that the flu vaccine is safe to be administered to pregnant women. The flu vaccine will not affect fetal development. Studies have also found that the flu vaccine does not cause spontaneous miscarriages during pregnancy.

When is the flu vaccine given to pregnant women?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to get the flu vaccine once a year. Vaccination can be obtained at any stage of pregnancy. You can discuss this with your obstetrician about the vaccination schedule.

What are the benefits of the flu vaccine for pregnant women?

The flu vaccine provides several benefits for pregnant women, including:

Preventing the flu and pregnancy-related complications associated with influenza. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy increase the risk of severe symptoms if infected with the flu. The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of hospitalization by up to 40%.

The flu vaccine provides protection for the baby, especially against fever symptoms due to the flu that are at risk of causing neural tube defects or fetal health conditions.

The flu vaccine provides protection for the fetus against the flu while in the womb. Antibodies obtained by the mother will also appear in the fetus. This protection will continue during breastfeeding until the baby can receive their own flu vaccine dose.

Side effects of the flu vaccine for pregnant women

Like the side effects of vaccines in general, the side effects of the flu vaccine are usually mild and not life-threatening, including:

• Redness and swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Side effects of the vaccine are usually experienced for at least 1-2 days. Side effects related to allergies are very rarely reported, but if you have allergies to certain foods, such as eggs, you should inform your doctor beforehand. If, after receiving the flu vaccine, you experience signs or side effects that are quite bothersome and make you uncomfortable, you can contact your doctor again.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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