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Influenza is a highly contagious disease transmitted through respiratory secretions. It can spread throughout the year, presenting symptoms ranging from mild, such as fever, cough, and runny nose, to severe cases leading to pneumonia and respiratory failure. 

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<h2>How Dangerous is Influenza for Pregnant Women?</h2>
Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group for infections, particularly the influenza virus. They are more susceptible to developing pneumonia as a result of influenza compared to the general population. The risk of severe influenza illness increases with the progression of pregnancy. For instance, if a woman contracts the virus between 14 to 20 weeks of gestation, her risk of developing influenza-related pneumonia increases by 1.4 times compared to non-pregnant individuals. This risk escalates to 4.2 times for infections occurring after 37 weeks of pregnancy. 
 
Moreover, reports indicate that contracting influenza during the first trimester can increase the risk of miscarriage and fetal death. Infections during the second and third trimesters can also lead to preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes.
<h2> 
Influenza Vaccine vs. Pregnant Women</h2>
Pregnant women can be treated with the same antiviral medications used for the general population; however, vaccination is the best preventive measure. The influenza vaccine is both effective and safe for use during pregnancy. It is made from inactivated virus, allowing for safe administration in pregnant women during any trimester without reports of fetal abnormalities.
<h2> 
Why Vaccinated Individuals Can Still Get Influenza</h2>
Even after receiving the influenza vaccine, some individuals may still contract the virus for several reasons:
<ul>
<li>Infection with Strains Not Included in the Vaccine: The vaccine is designed to protect against specific strains of the virus, and if a person is exposed to a different strain, they may still become infected.</li>
<li>Insufficient Immune Response: The immune system may not produce enough antibodies to effectively combat the virus.</li>
</ul>
However, most individuals who contract influenza after vaccination tend to experience milder symptoms and recover more quickly than those who were not vaccinated. Therefore, pregnant women, who are at higher risk of severe influenza complications, should definitely receive the vaccine to prevent infection and reduce the risk of pneumonia if they do contract the influenza virus.
<h2> 
Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
Q: Can I get the influenza vaccine during the COVID-19 outbreak? 
A: Yes, you can receive the vaccine as usual. 
 
Q: Does getting the influenza vaccine increase the risk of contracting COVID-19? 
A: The vaccine does not weaken the body and is not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
 
 
Dr. Linlada Vijakururote 
Specialist in Maternal-Fetal Medicine 
Women&#8217;s Health Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
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Should Pregnant Women Get the Flu Vaccine? What You Need to Know

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