Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with influenza are at a greater risk for more serious health complications. They are at higher risk for pneumonia which can really be fatal and deadly if left untreated. Also, flu during pregnancy increases the pregnant women’s risk for premature birth and preterm delivery. This premature delivery usually occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy.
As commonly known, premature birth increases the health risks of babies. Furthermore, influenza during pregnancy greatly affects the immune system of pregnant women. The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body against diseases and illnesses. When flu is diagnosed, the immune system needs to work harder to fight it.