Are you planning a pregnancy, trying for one, or maybe you already have a confirmed pregnancy and are expecting a baby? In any of these situations, it is a good idea to protect yourself against the flu. For the embryo - and later the foetus - the mother's flu can be tragic in its consequences. Read about the risks, symptoms, treatment and prevention of influenza. The article was prepared by Dr Artur Kobielski, MD, gynaecologist-obstetrician and treating couples at the InviMed clinic in Katowice.

What are the risks of flu during pregnancy?

Getting influenza during pregnancy in the first trimester is dangerous and can end in miscarriage. Influenza in subsequent trimesters of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, fetal growth disorders and the birth of a low birth weight baby. In extreme situations, the pregnancy can unfortunately also end in stillbirth or death of the baby in the neonatal period. The risk of termination by caesarean section also doubles.

Flu symptoms vs. cold symptoms

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain. It is important to contact your doctor if you develop these symptoms, as pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing severe forms of this illness that even require hospitalisation. The doctor will assess the stage of the illness and, above all, confirm whether it is influenza.

Influenza must be distinguished from the common cold, which usually develops slowly and is caused by viruses that attack the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Symptoms of a cold can be a fever, usually lower than during flu, and a cough, runny nose or sore throat. However, even this condition requires the consultation of a doctor if the patient is pregnant.

What is the treatment of influenza in pregnant women?

Treatment is general, symptomatic to relieve symptoms of fever, headache, sore throat, muscle and joint pain. Topical medications are also used to relieve sore throats, for example. Importantly, during cold and flu season, any medication should only be used after discussion with a doctor.

In the case of influenza, the doctor may also include antiviral therapy. However, it should be borne in mind that causal treatment requires confirmation by diagnostic tests, which are not reimbursed. In practice, this is usually done in cases where the course of influenza is severe and the pregnant patient has been referred for diagnosis and hospital treatment.

How to prevent flu?

Flu and colds can be prevented by reducing exposure to contracting viruses. Hands should be washed frequently and sick people should be avoided if possible, e.g. pregnant women should not wait in the waiting room of a clinic with other sick people. When going to see friends or when they are due to visit, it is a good idea to ask if everyone is healthy and to reschedule if necessary. It is also worth ensuring a well-balanced diet and adequate fluid supply.

Read more about diet in the article: How to support immunity during pregnancy - what to eat and drink when you are expecting a baby?

Influenza vaccination

Pregnant women are among the risk groups for severe and complicated influenza. For this reason, also in this population group, the WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends preventive vaccination every year.

Vaccination can be done in any trimester of pregnancy. Vaccination should be carried out as soon as the vaccine for the season is available. Qualification for vaccination will be carried out by a doctor.

The vaccine used for pregnant women contains inactivated influenza viruses, which in this form are safe for the mother-to-be and the foetus, and ensure that immunity to the disease is built up.

For more information on vaccination, see the article: Vaccination before or during pregnancy - what to vaccinate against?

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Dr n. med. Artur Kobielski

Specialist gynaecologist-obstetrician and treating couples at the InviMed clinic in Katowice. Graduate of the Faculty of Medicine of the Silesian Medical Academy in Katowice. In 2018 nominated by female patients for the title of Gynaecologist of the Year. Has many years of experience in managing pregnancies.