- Pregnancy Flu Shot Side Effects and Safety Center
- Flu Slideshow: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu
- Natural Cold & Flu Remedies Slideshow
- Take the Cold & Flu Quiz
- Find a local Doctor in your town
- Pregnancy flu shot side effects and safety facts*
- Should you get the shot? Is it safe?
- Why does being pregnant put me at higher risk for getting the flu?
- How can I protect myself and my unborn child from the flu?
- How can I protect my baby once he or she is born?
- If I have the flu, what should I do?
- When should I get emergency care?
- More reasons you need a flu shot if you are pregnant
- The flu shot is the best protection against the flu
- The flu shot is safe for pregnant women
- Early treatment is important for pregnant women
- Pregnancy and influenza vaccine safety
- Influenza vaccination during pregnancy protects newborns from getting influenza.
- Influenza vaccination does not cause miscarriage
- More pregnant women are getting vaccinated against influenza
Pregnancy flu shot side effects and safety facts*
*Pregnancy flu shot side effects and safety facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
- The flu shot is absolutely safe for pregnant women, but pregnant women should not receive the nasal-spray flu vaccine.
- Getting the flu shot during pregnancy can help protect the baby after it is born.
- It is recommended that pregnant women get the flu shot as soon as it is available.
- Changes in the body during pregnancy can make a woman more vulnerable to catching the flu.
- The flu is likely to be more severe in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women.
- The flu shot is safe for use in any trimester of pregnancy.
- The flu shot does not cause miscarriage or problems with the pregnancy.
Should you get the shot? Is it safe?
Changes to a pregnant woman's immune system can make her more sensitive to the flu. You should get the flu vaccine as soon as it is available in your area.
- The flu shot is the only flu vaccine approved for pregnant women. You should not get the nasal spray.
- If you get the flu shot during your pregnancy it will provide some protection to your baby after he or she is born.
- Once the baby is born, breastfeeding will help your baby stay healthy during flu season.
- If you have flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Why does being pregnant put me at higher risk for getting the flu?
Changes to your immune system during pregnancy can make you more sensitive to the flu. This can result in serious problems for your unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery. Additionally, fever in early pregnancy can lead to birth defects.
How can I protect myself and my unborn child from the flu?
Get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available in your area. You will need to get the flu shot. The nasal spray flu vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. If you get the flu shot during your pregnancy, research shows it provides some protection to your baby both while you are pregnant and after the baby is born.
In addition, follow our everyday steps to keep you and your baby healthy this flu season.
How can I protect my baby once he or she is born?
Breastfeeding protects babies because breast milk passes your antibodies to your baby. The antibodies in breast milk help fight off infection. Studies show that babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often than babies who are not breastfed.
If you get the flu, do not stop breastfeeding. Unless directed by your health care provider, continue to nurse your baby while being treated for the flu.
Quick GuideNatural Remedies for Cold and Flu
If I have the flu, what should I do?
If you get flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately. If necessary, your health care provider will prescribe an antiviral medicine to treat you. If you have a fever you should take Tylenol (or the store brand equivalent).
When should I get emergency care?
More reasons you need a flu shot if you are pregnant
If you're pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu. A flu shot can protect pregnant women, their unborn babies, and even the baby after birth.
If you're pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious illnesses caused by the flu.
The flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu, which can lead to hospitalization or even death. A pregnant woman with the flu also has a greater chance of serious problems for her unborn baby, including miscarriage or preterm birth.
A flu shot can protect pregnant women, their unborn babies, and even the baby after birth.
The flu shot is the best protection against the flu
Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. When given during pregnancy, the flu shot has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu. The flu shot is safe to get at any time while you are pregnant, during any trimester. (The nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.)
The flu shot is safe for pregnant women
Flu shots are a safe way to protect pregnant women and their unborn children from serious illness and complications of flu, like pneumonia. The flu shot has been given to millions of pregnant women over many years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. It is very important for pregnant women to get the flu shot.
Early treatment is important for pregnant women
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. If needed, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine that treats the flu.
Pregnant women who get a fever should treat it with a fever-reducing medicine containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and contact their doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy and influenza vaccine safety
Influenza (flu) vaccine safety studies are reporting good news for pregnant women. This research was presented at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) in October 2011.
Influenza vaccination during pregnancy protects newborns from getting influenza.
Pregnant women who get influenza vaccine pass their immunity to their babies in the form of flu antibodies. This protection lasts for several months after birth. Influenza protection was seen in newborns up to four months old. Babies born to women who were not vaccinated during pregnancy showed no antibody protection.
Influenza vaccination does not cause miscarriage.
Research shows no association between flu vaccination during pregnancy and miscarriage. This largest study conducted during the first trimester showed pregnant women who got the flu vaccine were no more likely to miscarry than those who did not get the flu vaccine.
More pregnant women are getting vaccinated against influenza.
The number of pregnant women receiving influenza vaccine has increased dramatically in the last couple of years in large part due to a national effort to vaccinate against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza during the 2009-10 influenza season. Prior to 2009, less than 15 percent of pregnant women got vaccinated. In the past two influenza seasons, over half of pregnant women were vaccinated.
From 
Cold and Flu Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
FLU.gov. Who's At Risk: Pregnantn Women.
CDC.gov. Pregnancy Women Need a Flu Slot!
CDC.gov. Vaccine Safety: Pregnancy and Influenza Vaccine Safety.
Top Pregnancy Flu Shot Side Effects and Safety Related Articles
Do Flu Shots Cause Flu?
Watch this pictures slideshow for more information about flu shots. Get the facts on different types of influenza vaccines and who should get one.
Flu Vaccination
Every year in the United States, on average, 5%-20% of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu. The flu is highly infectious and is a serious viral respiratory infection. Flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, meaning that it contains killed influenza virus. Anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of getting the flu can be vaccinated, however the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who are at risk for serious complications from the flu be vaccinated each year.
Influenza
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.
Mercury Poisoning
Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in water, soil, and the air. Mercury also is contained in some fish, some of the products we use in the home, school, or dentist. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include:
- Tremors
- Decline in cognitive function
- Weakness
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Skin rashes
- Dermatitis
- Mood swings
Information about sources of mercury exposure, potential health effects, symptoms of exposure, fish that may contain mercury, consumer products that contain mercury, and ways to reduce your exposure to mercury is important for the health of you, and your family.
oseltamivir
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is a drug prescribed for uncomplicated infections with "flu" (influenza) viruses including H1N1 influenza, in adults and children and infants under age 1 year. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) should be taken within two days of influenza symptoms. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can be used for preventing the flu in healthy individuals; however, it should not be used as a substitute for the flu vaccine. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is recommended for pregnant women.
PMS vs. Pregnancy Differences and Similarities
Many women have difficulty figuring out if they are pregnant, have PMS, or are about to start their period. The most common signs and symptoms of early pregnancy, PMS, and the start of your period include mood swings, back pain, increased urination, and tender breasts. These three conditions also share other similar signs and symptoms, but there are unique differences between each. Moreover, there are symptoms that only occur if you are pregnant.
Early pregnancy symptoms, PMS, and the start of the menstrual period all have common signs and symptoms like mood swings, back pain, and breast pain. Symptoms and signs between the three conditions that may seem similar, but are slightly different include:- Pelvic or abdominal cramping before or during your menstrual period is normal; however, the cramping of early pregnancy is mild.
- If you are pregnant, nausea and vomiting, or morning sickness, is common. They are not common symptoms of PMS.
- Fatigue is common in both, but PMS usually goes away once your period begins.
- Food cravings or aversions to certain foods are common in both pregnancy and PMS, but if you are pregnant, the cravings or aversions to foods are more specific and intense.
- You may have spotting or bleeding if you are pregnant or suffering from PMS. When the embryo inserts itself into the uterus (implantation bleeding), you may mistake it as your menstrual period. However, implantation bleeding is much lighter (not enough to soak a pad or tampon) than the heaving bleeding experienced at the beginning of your period.
Signs and symptoms that you may have only if you are pregnant include, implantation cramping and bleeding, a white, milky vaginal discharge, and your areolas or nipples darken.
The only way to find out if you are pregnant is with a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy test kits are available without a prescription at pharmacies and most grocery stores. Contact a doctor or other health care professional if you think you may be pregnant.
Pregnancy
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester). The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include
breast swelling and tenderness,
- nausea and sometimes vomiting,
- fatigue, and
- bloating.
Second trimester symptoms include
- backache,
- weight gain,
- itching, and
- possible stretch marks.
Third trimester symptoms are
- additional weight gain,
- heartburn,
- hemorrhoids,
- swelling of the ankles,
- fingers, and face,
- breast tenderness, and
- trouble sleeping.
Eating a healthy diet, getting a moderate amount of exercise, also are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Information about the week by week growth of your baby in the womb are provided.
Pregnancy Basics
Pregnancy can bring challenges like
- weight gain,
- stretch marks,
- varicose veins,
- heartburn,
- constipation,
- hemorrhoids,
- problems sleeping, and
- wondering if it is safe to have sex while pregnant.
Learn how to manage and move through these challenges during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Planning (Preparing for Pregnancy)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes:
- Taking prenatal vitamins
- Eating healthy for you and your baby
- Disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections
- Avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby
- How much weight gain is healthy
- Exercise safety and pregnancy
- Travel during pregnancy
Pregnancy Symptoms Am I Pregnant
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and not all women experience the same symptoms. When women do experience pregnancy symptoms they may include symptoms include missed menstrual period, mood changes, headaches, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and heartburn. Signs and symptoms in late pregnancy include leg swelling and shortness of breath. Options for relief of pregnancy symptoms include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes.
Pregnancy: Swine Flu and the H1N1 Vaccine
Pregnant and women who are breastfeeding are encouraged to receive the seasonal flu shot as well as the 2009 H1N1 influenza (swine flu) vaccine. H1N1 flu is treated with the medications Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir). Pregnant women should not receive the H1N1 attenuated nasal spray vaccine. Possible side effects of the H1N1 flu vaccine include muscle aches, fever, nausea, tiredness, or headache.
Pregnancy: Your Guide to Eating Right
When a woman is pregnant she needs more vitamins, minerals, and other foods in her diet to stay healthy and deliver a healthy baby. A healthy pregnancy diet menu plan should consist of lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats (unless you are vegan or vegetarian), and dairy. Examples of healthy pregnancy diet meal plans include:
- Holistic pregnancy diet
- Vegan or vegetarian diet
- Low-carb diets
Begin your healthy eating plan around three months before you begin trying to conceive, and follow the same eating plan until after you have stopped breastfeeding. If you are overweight or obese, being pregnant is not the right time to try to lose weight. Discuss your options with your health-care professional.
rimantadine
rimantadine (Flumadine) is a medication prescribed for the treatment and prevention of influenza A in adults, and for the prevention of the influenza A virus in children older than one year of age. Side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Swine Flu
Novel H1N1 influenza A virus infection (swine flu) is an infection that generally is transferred from an infected pig to a human, however there have been reported cases where infection has occured with no contact with infected pigs. Symptoms of swine flu are "flu-like" and include fever, cough, and sore throat. Treatment is generally with the antibiotics oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza).Treating the Flu In People With Health Risks
Certain portions of the population are at an increased risk of suffering serious complications from the flu. Some of these indviduals at risk include: those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, HIV, AIDs, elderly, women who are pregnant, and children under the age of two. Contact your physician if you have the flu immediately so that you receive the proper care to prevent serious complications.zanamivir
Zanamivir (Relenza) is a prescription inhaled medication used to treat and prevent the flu (influenza)including H1N1 (swine flu). Zanamivir (Relenza) decreases and suppresses the spread of influenza A and B viruses (to include H1N1 or swine flu. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
