Seasonal Influenza in Pregnancy.

IMPORTANCE: Influenza presents as respiratory illnesses that range in severity and can lead to adverse maternal health outcomes and pregnancy complications, particularly in pregnant individuals who are considered high-risk for severe disease. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the significance of seasonal influenza in pregnant people and emphasize the importance of early testing, antiviral treatment, and vaccination. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature review identified relevant research, review articles, textbook chapters, databases, and societal guidelines. RESULTS: Pregnant individuals face higher risks of severe respiratory illness from seasonal influenza due to physiological changes in pregnancy. Seasonal influenza infection in pregnancy is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, which correspond to illness severity. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Recognizing the pregnant population as a high-risk group, national and global public health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, recommend influenza vaccination in pregnancy. Early testing with available commercial tests and prompt antiviral treatment are critical interventions to decreasing morbidity and mortality.

Duke Scholars

Author Sarah K. Dotters-Katz Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Author Jeffrey Adam Kuller Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine