Repiratory Virus Season

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), repiratory virus season occurs in the fall and winter in the United States.   It is likely that flu and RSV viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will be spreading again this fall and winter, making it more important than ever that you get the flu vaccine before the viruses begin spreading.  Flu typically spreads by the end of October, although it can still be beneficial if you are vaccinated later.  COVID has already been spreading during the late summer months.  It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. 

Getting a vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against the flu and it is recommended for everyone, including pregnant patients.  Flu shots given during pregnancy help protect both the mother and her baby from the flu.  There is a lot of evidence that flu vaccines can be given safely during  pregnancy. The antibodies developed by the pregnant mom are transferred to the futus and protect the newborn against the flu until the baby can get the vaccine at 6 months. 

Everyone 6 months and older should stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines.  There are multiple vaccine options, and all are safe and highly effective.

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 (and women up to two weeks postpartum) more prone to severe illness from flu, including illness resulting in hospitalization.  Flu also may be harmful for a pregnant woman's developing baby.  A common flu symptom is fever, which may be associated with neural tube defects and other adverse outcomes for a developing baby. 

If you get sick with flu symptoms, or have been close to someone with flu symptoms, please call your doctor right away.  There are antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness and prevent serious flu complications.  CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have influenza infection or suspected influenza infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women.  More details about the flue are available on the CDC and ACOG websites at:

Pregnant Women & Influenza (Flu)

ACOG Recommends Vaccines for Adults

#FightFlu