What Is Flu While Pregnant? Flu Vaccine Advice for Pregnancy
Getting the flu is never fun. But when you are pregnant, it can be more serious than usual. Your body is working hard to look after you and your growing baby, and this changes how it deals with germs. Flu can make you very unwell, and in some cases it can affect your baby too.
The good news is that there is a safe way to lower the risk. The flu vaccine is recommended for every pregnant woman, at any stage of pregnancy, and it is free on the NHS. In this guide, you will learn what flu looks like in pregnancy, why the vaccine is advised, when to have it, and what to do if you catch flu. We have kept it simple so you can find the answers you need quickly.
What Is Flu During Pregnancy?
Flu, short for influenza, is an infection caused by the influenza virus. It affects your nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads very easily when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks, and also when you touch something that has the virus on it and then touch your face. Flu during pregnancy is the same virus, but it can hit harder because of the changes in your body.
Flu vs Common Cold: What’s the Difference?
Many people say “flu” when they really have a bad cold. They are not the same. A cold usually starts slowly, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild sore throat. You often feel tired but can still carry on with your day.
Flu usually comes on fast. One day you feel fine, and the next you may feel too weak to get out of bed. Flu symptoms are stronger and last longer than a cold, and flu is far more likely to cause serious problems.
Common Flu Symptoms in Pregnancy
The symptoms of flu are the same for pregnant and non-pregnant adults. They often start suddenly. You may have a high temperature, a dry cough, a sore throat, and a headache. Many women also feel very tired, with aching muscles and joints. Some feel hot and sweaty, then cold and shivery. You may also lose your appetite.
Because pregnancy already makes you tired, flu can be easy to miss at first. If you feel suddenly and strongly unwell, it is worth checking in with a health professional.
Why Is Flu More Serious When You’re Pregnant?
During pregnancy, your body does some amazing things. It also makes some changes that can make infections harder to fight. This is why doctors and midwives take flu so seriously in pregnancy.
How Pregnancy Changes Your Immune System, Heart and Lungs
When you are pregnant, your immune system works a little differently. This helps your body avoid rejecting your baby, but it can also make it harder to fight off some infections. At the same time, your heart works harder and your lungs have less room as your baby grows. All of this means flu can make you more unwell than it would at other times. The risk is higher in the later stages of pregnancy.
Possible Complications for the Mother
Most people recover from flu without lasting problems. But pregnant women have a higher chance of complications. One of the most common is bronchitis, which is a chest infection. Bronchitis can sometimes get worse and turn into pneumonia, which is a more serious lung infection. Some women with flu need to be looked after in hospital, and a small number need intensive care.
Possible Risks for Your Baby
If you get flu while pregnant, it can affect your baby too. Flu may raise the chance of your baby being born early or being born smaller than expected. In rare cases, it can lead to stillbirth. These risks are not common, but they are the main reason the flu vaccine is so strongly advised.
Who Is at Higher Risk? (Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Conditions, Obesity)
Some women have an even higher risk of serious flu. This includes women with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system. Women who are very overweight may also be at higher risk. If you have a long-term health condition, the flu vaccine matters even more for you. Your GP, midwife, or pharmacist can talk you through it.
Is the Flu Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. The flu vaccine used in the UK is safe at any stage of pregnancy. This means from the first few weeks right up until you go into labour. It has been given to pregnant women for many years, and health experts continue to check its safety.
Can the Flu Jab Give You Flu?
No. This is one of the most common worries, so let’s be clear. The flu jab used in pregnancy is an inactivated vaccine. This means it does not contain a live virus. It cannot give you flu, and it cannot give your baby flu.
Some women feel a little unwell for a day or two after the jab. This is just your body building protection. It is not flu. Also, the jab is given in autumn, when colds and other bugs are common. If you catch a cold soon after your jab, it is just bad timing. The vaccine did not cause it.
Can the Flu Jab Cause Miscarriage or Harm Your Baby?
No. Studies have not found any link between the flu jab and miscarriage. They have also not found a link to birth defects. Health experts in the UK, including the NHS, say the vaccine is safe for you and your baby. In fact, getting flu itself is more likely to cause problems than getting the vaccine.
What Does the Safety Evidence Say?
The flu vaccine has been offered to pregnant women in the UK for many years. Many studies from around the world have looked at how safe it is. These studies have shown that vaccinated women are not more likely to have problems in their pregnancy. Some studies even show that vaccinated women are less likely to have a baby born early or very small. For this reason, the NHS recommends the flu jab to all pregnant women.
How Does the Flu Jab Protect You and Your Baby?
One jab helps two people. It protects you, and it also gives your baby a head start after birth.
Protection for the Mother
The flu jab helps your body get ready to fight the flu virus. If you do catch flu after being vaccinated, your illness is usually milder. Your chance of serious problems, like pneumonia or hospital care, also goes down.
Protection for Your Newborn in the First Months
Very young babies cannot have the flu vaccine themselves, but they can still get very sick from flu. When you have the jab, your body makes protective proteins called antibodies. Some of these pass to your baby through the placenta. This gives your baby some protection in the first few months of life, when they are most at risk.
When Should You Have the Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy?
The best answer is: as soon as it is offered to you. But there is more to know about timing.
At Any Stage of Pregnancy
You do not need to wait until a certain week. You can have the flu jab at any stage of pregnancy, from the very early weeks up until labour starts. You do not need to wait until after the first twelve weeks.
Best Time to Get Vaccinated During the Flu Season
Flu spreads the most in the colder months, usually from December to February. The vaccine becomes available in autumn, often from September for pregnant women. It is best to get your jab early, so you are protected before flu starts to spread. If you are close to your due date, try not to wait, because the protection also helps your baby after birth.
Do You Need the Flu Jab in Every Pregnancy?
Yes. The flu virus changes from year to year, so the vaccine is updated each year too. Protection also fades over time. If you are pregnant in a new flu season, you need the new vaccine, even if you had one last year or in an earlier pregnancy.
Can You Have It With the Whooping Cough and RSV Vaccines?
Yes, in most cases. There are other vaccines offered in pregnancy. The whooping cough vaccine is offered from around 16 weeks. The RSV vaccine is offered from around 28 weeks. They protect your baby from different illnesses. The flu jab can often be given at the same visit as these vaccines. Still, do not delay a vaccine just to have them all together. If one is offered to you, it is fine to have it right away. Your midwife or pharmacist can help you plan.
What If You Miss It or Find Out You’re Pregnant Later?
Do not worry. If you miss the flu jab in the autumn, you can still have it later in the winter. If you find out you are pregnant late in the flu season, you can have it then too. You can still be vaccinated right up until you go into labour. Earlier is better, but later is much better than never.
Who Can Get a Free NHS Flu Jab in Pregnancy?
All pregnant women in the UK can have a free NHS flu jab, no matter how far along they are. You do not need to have a health condition. Being pregnant is enough. The NHS may change the start dates each year, so it is a good idea to check the latest information on the NHS website or ask your GP, midwife, or pharmacist.
Where Can You Get the Flu Jab in Pregnancy?
You have a few easy choices, so you can pick the one that suits you best.
GP Surgery, Pharmacy or Maternity Service
Many women get the jab at their GP surgery. Some maternity services also offer it during antenatal visits. Many local pharmacies can give it too, which is handy if you want an appointment outside normal GP hours or cannot get a quick GP slot. If you are not sure where to go, ask your midwife.
Flu Vaccination at Earlsdon Pharmacy, Coventry
Earlsdon Pharmacy is a family-run pharmacy at 19-21 Earlsdon Street in Coventry, CV5 6EP. The team offers flu vaccination as one of its services, and the pharmacists are happy to answer questions about vaccines. As availability and eligibility can change each season, it is best to call the pharmacy before you visit.
How to Book Your Appointment
You can book online through the pharmacy website or call the team on 02476714834. The pharmacy is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:30pm and on Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm. It is closed on Sunday. When you book, tell the team that you are pregnant, so they can arrange the right appointment for you.
What Happens During Your Consultation?
A trained pharmacist or healthcare professional will ask a few simple questions first. These usually cover your health, any allergies, and whether you have had a vaccine before. Then they will give the jab in your upper arm. It only takes a few minutes. After that, you may be asked to wait for a short time to make sure you feel well. It is a good idea to wear a top with sleeves that roll up easily.
Flu Vaccine Side Effects in Pregnancy
Like all vaccines, the flu jab can cause side effects. Most are mild and do not last long.
Common, Mild Side Effects
The most common side effect is a sore, red, or slightly swollen arm where the needle went in. Some women also get a mild temperature, a headache, tiredness, or achy muscles. These usually pass within a day or two. Many women have no side effects at all.
When to Speak to a Healthcare Professional
Serious reactions are very rare. If your symptoms get worse, last more than a few days, or you are worried, speak to your GP, midwife, or pharmacist. If you ever feel very unwell after a jab, such as having trouble breathing, get urgent medical help by calling 999.
Who Should Not Have the Flu Vaccine?
Most people can have the flu jab safely. There are only a few reasons to avoid it.
Egg Allergy and the Flu Jab
Some flu vaccines are grown in eggs, so they may contain a tiny amount of egg protein. Most people with an egg allergy can still have the jab safely. There are also egg-free vaccines. If you have an egg allergy, tell the person giving the jab before you have it, so they can choose the right one for you.
Severe Allergic Reactions to a Previous Dose
You should not have the flu jab if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine before, or to anything in it. You should also put it off if you have a high temperature on the day. In that case, wait until you feel better and then book again. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or midwife.
Why Is the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Not Used in Pregnancy?
You may have heard of the nasal spray flu vaccine that many children have. This spray contains a weakened live virus. As a precaution, it is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnant women are offered the flu injection instead, which does not contain any live virus. The injection is the right choice for pregnancy and works well.
Flu Vaccine and Breastfeeding
It is safe to breastfeed if you had the flu vaccine while pregnant. If you are already breastfeeding and are eligible for the flu jab, for example because of a long-term health condition, you can have it too. The vaccine does not harm your baby through breast milk.
What to Do If You Catch Flu While Pregnant
Even after the jab, you can still catch flu, as no vaccine is perfect. If this happens, it is important to know what to do.
Self-Care at Home
Rest as much as you can and drink plenty of fluids. Try to keep your temperature down, and stay home so you do not spread the virus. Before you take any medicine, even one you can buy in a shop, check with your pharmacist, GP, or midwife that it is safe in pregnancy. They can also tell you whether you need an antiviral medicine, which works best when started early.
When to Call Your GP, Midwife or NHS 111
Call your GP, midwife, or NHS 111 if you think you have flu, as pregnant women are more likely to need medical advice. Call them too if your temperature does not come down, if your symptoms are getting worse, or if you have a long-term health condition.
Warning Signs Needing Urgent Help
Get urgent medical help straight away if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a very high temperature that does not go down. The same goes for feeling confused, being unable to keep fluids down, or noticing that your baby is moving less than usual. In an emergency, call 999.
Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy: Myths vs Facts
Myth: The flu jab can give you flu.
Fact: The injection does not contain a live virus, so it cannot give you or your baby flu.
Myth: The flu jab is not safe in the first three months.
Fact: It is safe at any stage of pregnancy, including the early weeks.
Myth: The flu jab can cause miscarriage.
Fact: Studies have found no link between the flu vaccine and miscarriage.
Myth: If I had the jab last year, I am still protected.
Fact: The virus changes each year, and protection fades. You need a new jab every flu season.
Myth: Flu is just a bad cold, so I do not need to worry.
Fact: Flu is much more serious than a cold, and pregnant women are more likely to have complications.
Myth: The flu jab does not help my baby.
Fact: Protection from the jab passes to your baby and helps keep them safe in the first months of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have the flu jab in the first trimester?
Yes. You can have the flu jab at any stage of pregnancy, including the first three months.
Can the flu vaccine harm my baby?
No. The flu vaccine used in the UK is safe for you and your baby. It also helps protect your baby after birth.
I had the flu jab last year. Do I need another one?
Yes. The vaccine is updated every year because the flu virus changes. You need the new vaccine each flu season, and in each pregnancy.
I’ve already had flu this season. Should I still get vaccinated?
It is still worth asking. Flu can be caused by different strains, and the jab protects against several of them. Speak to your GP, midwife, or pharmacist, who can advise you.
Can my partner or family also get the flu jab?
Many people can have a flu jab, but free NHS jabs are only given to certain groups. Your partner and family can ask their GP or local pharmacy about their options. Getting vaccinated can also help protect you and your new baby.
Can I get my flu jab from a pharmacy instead of my GP?
In many cases, yes. Many pharmacies offer flu jabs to pregnant women. It is best to call ahead to check availability and ask whether it is an NHS or private appointment.
Is it safe to have the flu jab and other pregnancy vaccines on the same day?
Yes, in most cases. The flu jab can be given at the same visit as the whooping cough or RSV vaccine. Your midwife or pharmacist can help you plan the timing.
Book Your Flu Jab at Earlsdon Pharmacy in Coventry
Flu can be hard on you and your baby, but the flu jab is a simple way to lower the risk. If you are pregnant and live in or near Coventry, the team at Earlsdon Pharmacy is happy to help with your questions about the flu vaccine. You can book online or call 02476714834 to check availability and arrange an appointment.
