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

    Antibiotics Probably Won't Ease Your Cough, Even If Infection is Bacterial: Study

    Can Zinc Really Shorten a Cold?

    Antibiotics Probably Won't Ease Your Cough, Even If Infection is Bacterial: Study

    Neosporin Ointment in the Nose Might Be Potent Antibiotic

    How Would an FDA Ban on Popular Cold Meds Affect Americans?

    Sleepy Nurses Vulnerable To Common Cold, Other Infectious Diseases

    COVID-19 Remains Major Health Threat in U.S.

    First U.S. Death From Bird Flu Reported in Louisiana

    Flu May Be Tougher on Brain Health Than COVID-19: Study

    Obesity Raises Risk of Severe Infection, Especially in People With Diabetes

    Holiday Flu Surge Drives Record Illness Across the U.S. — Here's What You Can Do