Introduction
Influenza, commonly called flu, is more than a heavy cold. During pregnancy, changes in the immune system, heart and lungs can increase the chance of severe illness and hospital treatment.
Pregnant women in Sri Lanka should seek medical advice promptly if flu is suspected. Vaccination and antiviral treatment may both be appropriate in selected circumstances, but the timing of vaccination and the treatment pathway should be decided by a qualified clinician.
Symptoms of Influenza in Pregnancy
Flu symptoms usually begin suddenly and may include:
- A high temperature or feeling feverish
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- Headache and body aches
- Marked tiredness or weakness
- A runny or blocked nose
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea in some people
- Shortness of breath
Flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare professional can advise whether testing or treatment is needed.
Why Influenza Can Be More Serious During Pregnancy
Normal changes during pregnancy affect breathing, circulation and the immune response. These changes can make it harder for the body to cope with a respiratory infection.
The risk of complications may be higher if you also have asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, a weakened immune system or another significant long-term medical condition. Possible complications include pneumonia, dehydration and the need for hospital care.
Is the Flu Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?
The injectable inactivated influenza vaccine may be used during pregnancy when a clinician considers it appropriate. It does not contain live influenza viruses and cannot give you flu.
Vaccination can help protect the mother from serious illness. Protective antibodies can also cross the placenta and provide some protection to the baby during the first months after birth.
In Sri Lanka, influenza vaccination is not routinely recommended for every pregnant woman. It may be considered in the early second trimester when there is a risk of an influenza epidemic. The decision should be made with your obstetrician or another qualified clinician, who will select the appropriate vaccine.
Flu Vaccination in Sri Lanka
Influenza vaccination is available at major private hospitals in Sri Lanka. Ask about vaccination during an antenatal appointment if there is an increased risk of influenza in the community or if you have a medical condition that increases your risk of complications.
This article does not recommend a particular vaccine product. The appropriate vaccine should be selected and administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
Do not delay urgent medical care while trying to arrange vaccination, because a vaccine does not treat an infection that has already started.
What to Do If You Develop Flu Symptoms
Seek advice from a qualified doctor as soon as possible and proceed to hospital or consultant-led care as advised. Pregnant women are at increased risk of complications, and antiviral treatment works best when started early.
Oral oseltamivir is the preferred first-line antiviral treatment when treatment is indicated. A clinician may start treatment based on clinical suspicion without waiting for a laboratory result.
Influenza testing is routinely available in the private sector, but it may not be available in some government hospitals. Treatment should not necessarily be delayed when clinical suspicion is strong.
Do not buy or start antiviral medicines without medical advice.
Rest, Fluids and Medicines
Rest, sleep and regular fluids can help prevent dehydration. Eat light, balanced meals as tolerated; our guide to nutrition in pregnancy offers practical advice.
Paracetamol is generally the preferred medicine for fever and body aches in pregnancy when it is suitable for the individual patient. Read our guide to paracetamol in pregnancy and follow the recommended dose. Do not take paracetamol together with another medicine that also contains paracetamol.
Anti-inflammatory medicines such as NSAIDs are not recommended for routine self-treatment during pregnancy. Use them only when specifically directed by your consultant. Do not take antibiotics, antiviral medicines or multi-symptom cold remedies unless a qualified clinician confirms that they are appropriate.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Seek urgent assessment if you have:
- Difficulty breathing, breathlessness at rest or rapidly worsening breathing
- Chest pain, blue or grey lips, coughing up blood or fainting
- Confusion, extreme drowsiness, seizures or severe weakness
- Persistent vomiting, very little urine or other signs of dehydration
- A high fever that persists or symptoms that are becoming worse
- Vaginal bleeding, painful contractions or another urgent pregnancy concern
- A noticeable reduction or change in your baby’s usual movements from around 28 weeks onwards
- Any symptom that feels severe or frightening
Before 28 weeks, fetal movements may not yet follow a regular pattern. Contact your obstetrician or maternity team whenever you are concerned rather than relying only on a fixed movement count.
Call ahead before attending a clinic or hospital when possible, so the team can advise where to go and reduce exposure to other pregnant women.
Reducing the Spread of Influenza
To reduce transmission:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the bend of your elbow
- Dispose of used tissues promptly
- Wear a well-fitting mask when you have respiratory symptoms and must be near other people
- Keep indoor areas well ventilated
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- Stay at home while you have a fever or feel too unwell for normal activities
Practical Advice for Sri Lankan Mothers
Influenza vaccination is not routinely required for every pregnancy in Sri Lanka. It may be considered in the early second trimester when there is a risk of an epidemic, particularly for women with asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, immunosuppression or another significant medical condition.
Vaccination is available at major private hospitals. Ask a qualified clinician whether vaccination is appropriate for you and allow the clinician to choose the suitable product.
If you develop fever and respiratory symptoms, seek advice promptly from a qualified doctor and proceed to hospital or consultant-led care as advised. Influenza testing is often available in the private sector but may not be available in government hospitals. Tell the healthcare team that you are pregnant and how many weeks pregnant you are.
Take-Home Message
Influenza can be more serious during pregnancy. Vaccination is not routinely recommended for every pregnant woman in Sri Lanka, but it may be considered in the early second trimester when there is a risk of an epidemic. If flu is suspected, seek qualified medical advice promptly because antiviral treatment may need to begin before test results are available.
At Sugabi Clinic, we’re committed to providing specialised women’s health care with a focus on individualised attention. Our team of experienced professionals is here to guide and support you on your journey to parenthood. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website at www.sugabi.lk.
References
- National Health Service. The flu jab in pregnancy [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/flu-jab/
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Royal Colleges urge pregnant women to get flu vaccine as cases remain high [Internet]. London: RCOG; 2025 [cited 2026 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/news/royal-colleges-urge-pregnant-women-to-get-flu-vaccine-as-cases-remain-high/
- UK Health Security Agency. Guidance on use of antiviral agents for the treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal influenza [Internet]. London: UKHSA; 2026 [cited 2026 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/influenza-treatment-and-prophylaxis-using-anti-viral-agents/guidance-on-use-of-antiviral-agents-for-the-treatment-and-prophylaxis-of-seasonal-influenza
- Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. Influenza in pregnancy [Internet]. Colombo: Ministry of Health; 2017 [cited 2026 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.epid.gov.lk/storage/post/pdfs/vol_44_no_42-english.pdf
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