How is influenza different in pregnancy?

Pregnancy changes the immune, heart and breathing systems. Flu may bring fever, cough, sore throat, aches and exhaustion, but breathlessness, dehydration or worsening asthma can be more concerning than they would be otherwise. Symptoms can also make it harder to eat, drink and rest.

Influenza itself does not automatically mean that a pregnancy will have a problem. The key is timely assessment, because a clinician can consider the stage of pregnancy, your symptoms, medical history and the baby’s wellbeing when deciding what support is needed.

Contact your maternity team, GP or other clinician as soon as you suspect flu, particularly if fever, breathing symptoms or vomiting are present. Rest, take frequent fluids and use only medicines confirmed as suitable for pregnancy. Do not start, stop or borrow prescription medicine without advice.

Limit close contact with others while unwell, wash hands and improve airflow indoors. Ask how to monitor temperature, hydration, breathing and fetal movements at your stage of pregnancy. More general information is available about [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/).

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, severe weakness, confusion, inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration. Contact the maternity service urgently for bleeding, contractions, leaking fluid, reduced fetal movement or any pregnancy-specific concern. Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask which fever or cough medicines are suitable, whether you need examination or testing, and how to maintain hydration. Clarify who to call overnight and which changes in fetal movement or breathing require immediate assessment.