Flu during pregnancy and after birth

Protecting you and your baby

Flu is on the rise across the country, and can be a very serious and really unpleasant illness.

Flu (Influenza) can lead to severe complications. These are more likely during pregnancy or within the first two weeks after birth. 

The flu vaccine is safe and strongly recommended at any stage of pregnancy

Vaccination significantly reduces your chance of catching flu, hospital admission or becoming seriously unwell, and also helps protect your baby after birth. 

If you do not have the vaccine, you have a higher risk of severe illness if you get flu. The flu vaccine cannot cause flu.

Flu symptoms can start suddenly and worsen very quickly. They may include a fever or chills, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, feeling tired or exhausted, a dry cough, sore throat, headache or loss of appetite.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, do all you can to protect yourself and those around you.

• Open a window for fresh air when meeting people indoors.
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap and cough into a tissue.
• Wear a face mask if you are comfortable doing so.

If you think you might have flu, and you are pregnant or within the first two weeks after birth, you may be eligible for antiviral treatment. Treatment works best when started early.

If you are 16 weeks’ pregnant or more contact the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) directly. If you are under 16 weeks’ pregnant call NHS 111 or your GP.

If you:

• have been in close contact (at home or in hospital) with someone who might have flu
• are pregnant or within the first two weeks after birth;
• have not been vaccinated, or were vaccinated within the last two weeks

you may be eligible for antiviral medication to help prevent you developing flu.