Influenza

Influenza infection, while clinically recognized for centuries, remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality from febrile respiratory illness. The influenza virus is spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with recently contaminated articles. The incubation period ranges from 1–4 days. The decision to hospitalize a pregnant woman with influenza depends on the severity of symptoms and associated complications. Immunological changes that occur during pregnancy may alter the response to infection and increase the severity of influenza. Physiological changes in pregnancy such as an elevated diaphragm, increased oxygen consumption, and decreased functional residual capacity may worsen the pulmonary complications of influenza. Vaccination is the primary method to prevent influenza and its severe complications. The influenza vaccine has been determined to be safe in pregnancy for mother and baby and does not increase the risk for miscarriage, pregnancy complications, or adverse fetal outcomes.