Health Tip: If You Get the Flu While Pregnant

(HealthDay News) -- The flu may be dangerous enough, but it's even more of a threat for women who are pregnant.

All women should get the annual flu vaccine, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises.

If you do develop the flu while pregnant, the CDC suggests:

  • Begin treatment as soon as possible. Antiviral drugs work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms.
  • Antiviral drugs may diminish symptoms, make you feel better faster and help prevent serious complications for you and baby.
  • Your doctor may suggest taking oral oseltamivir, which has been studied thoroughly.
  • Fever during pregnancy has been linked to increased risk of birth defects. So if you develop a fever, contact your doctor immediately.

    • Date Published: 12/12/2017

    Related Articles

    Search Articles

    Your Nose May Decide How Bad Your Cold Gets, Study Finds

    Childhood Flu Shots Prevent Millions of Cases, Study Finds

    52 Kids Have Died From Flu So Far This Season as Child Hospitalizations Rise

    RFK Jr. Says Fewer Flu Vaccines for Kids May Be a 'Better Thing'

    Scientists' Push For a Universal Vaccine Takes a Key Step Forward

    Moderna Starts Large Bird Flu Study Despite Earlier HHS Funding Loss