Cold & Flu Season During Pregnancy
Flu during pregnancy can pose risks to both mother and baby, making prevention and symptom management essential. Staying up to date with your influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your growing baby during cold and flu season.
If you develop a fever or other flu-like symptoms during pregnancy, it’s important to contact your primary care provider promptly. You may also visit an urgent care center for evaluation and flu testing. Please notify our office if you are experiencing flu during pregnancy, as routine appointments may need to be rescheduled for the safety of all patients and staff.
Key Takeaways
- Flu during pregnancy poses risks to both mother and baby — vaccination (flu + COVID-19) is the #1 prevention tool
- Contact your provider or urgent care if you develop fever or flu-like symptoms — don’t wait
- Natural remedies (saltwater gargle, honey, steam, zinc/vitamin C) can ease symptoms but don’t replace medical care
- Several OTC medications are safe during pregnancy — Tylenol, Zyrtec, Claritin, Robitussin — but Sudafed is off-limits in the first trimester and with hypertension
- Seek immediate care for: high fever >101°F, shortness of breath, severe dehydration, decreased fetal movement, or persistent vomiting
- Antiviral medication is safe during pregnancy when prescribed by a provider
Managing Cold & Flu During Pregnancy
Get Plenty of Rest and Hydration
Adequate sleep and fluid intake are key to a strong immune response when you’re battling the flu during pregnancy.
Natural Remedies for Symptom Relief
- Gargle with regular mouthwash – Safe to use during pregnancy (alcohol containing is okay as you are not ingesting it) and helps reduce throat irritation
- Gargle with warm saltwater – Soothes a sore throat and reduces inflammation
- Take honey by the spoonful or in warm tea – Coats and calms irritated throat tissue
- Use cough drops – Provides fast-acting relief for dry or itchy throat
- Take steam showers or use a humidifier – Moistens airways and eases congestion
- Increase zinc and vitamin C at onset of symptoms – Supports immune function
- Drink Gypsy Cold Care Tea and Throat Coat Tea – Herbal options known for soothing cough and sore throat
While these remedies can ease discomfort, they are not a substitute for professional medical care—especially if you suspect the flu during pregnancy.
Safe Over-the-Counter Medications for the Flu During Pregnancy
The following OTC remedies are considered safe for treating the flu during pregnancy:
- Tylenol/acetaminophen (including extra strength) is safe in any trimester. Follow dosing instructions on the bottle.
- Nasal strips
- Vicks VapoRub
- Throat lozenges: eucalyptus, menthol, Cepacol
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Cromolyn Sodium nasal spray (NasalCrom)
- Saline nasal spray
- Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine (Sudafed) ***not during the first trimester and not in the setting of hypertensive disorders (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia)
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym)
- Chloraseptic spray
Always consult your provider before starting any new medication, especially when experiencing the flu during pregnancy.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Flu during pregnancy can escalate quickly. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- High fever (above 101°F) that does not respond to acetaminophen
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
- Decreased fetal movement (if you’re in the second or third trimester)
- Persistent vomiting
Prompt treatment with antiviral medication may be recommended and is considered safe during pregnancy when prescribed by a provider.
Preventing the Flu During Pregnancy
Prevention is the best defense. Here are steps to reduce your risk of catching the flu:
- Get the flu vaccine as early in the season as possible
- Practice frequent handwashing
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces at home and work
More Support for a Healthy Pregnancy Journey
Whether you’re managing the flu during pregnancy or simply seeking ways to stay well, our resource center offers trusted information tailored for expecting mothers. Discover provider-approved health tips, safe remedies, product recommendations, and seasonal advice to support you at every stage.
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