If you’re pregnant, taking precautions to prevent the flu or COVID-19 infection is especially important. Pregnant women, even those in perfect health, can become very ill if they get the flu or COVID-19.
Flu risks increase as pregnancy progresses. One study showed that healthy women near the end of their pregnancies were almost 5 times as likely to be admitted to the hospital during the flu season for heart or lung problems as women who were 1 to 6 months postpartum. Another study showed that pregnant women with asthma are at higher risk for hospitalization during the flu season.
COVID-19 infection during pregnancy leads to increased risk of maternal severe illness, admission to intensive care, mechanical ventilation and death. Pregnant patients with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, advanced maternal age and cardiovascular disease also face a higher risk of complications from COVID-19.