What are colds and flu?

A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Colds usually get better on their own after a few days.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is an infection. Influenza is more serious than a cold and can cause complications if you are pregnant.

What are the symptoms of colds and flu?

The symptoms of colds and flu are often similar.

Symptoms of a cold

A cold will usually affect your nose and throat, causing symptoms such as:

• sore throat
• headache
• sneezing
• coughing
• blocked or runny nose
• fever (a temperature of 38℃ or higher)

Symptoms of the flu

The flu can affect your nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms of the flu are often the same as symptoms of a cold but can come on more quickly. The flu can also cause whole body symptoms such as:

• severe tiredness
• muscle aches
• joint pain
• nausea
• vomiting

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes colds and flu?

Colds and flu are caused by viruses.

There are more than 200 types of viruses that can cause a cold.

There are 2 main types of influenza virus.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see a doctor if you think you have the flu.

When you are pregnant, you are more likely to become seriously unwell with the flu. This is especially true if you are in your second or third trimester.

You should also see your doctor if you are worried about your symptoms.

Be sure to call ahead and let the receptionist know of your concerns. Ask about the possibility of a telehealth appointment to protect other people in the waiting room.

Colds will often get better on their own.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is the flu diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. If your doctor suspects you have the flu, they may take a swab from the inside of your nose and throat to confirm the diagnosis.

How do I treat a cold when I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Colds are not dangerous for you or your baby, and will usually get better in a few days.

Breastfeeding when I have a cold

You should continue to breastfeed your baby if you have a cold.

The virus will not pass through your breastmilk to your baby. Your breast milk can also help protect your baby from catching a cold.

Self-care at home

There are ways to help with your symptoms while your body fights the virus, such as:

• rest — this gives your body more energy to fight the infection
• drinking lots of fluids — this will help you feel better and help with your milk supply when you are breastfeeding
• drinking warm drinks with lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat or cough
• saline (salt water) nasal spray — this can help clear mucus (snot) from your nose and sinuses

Medicines for a cold

There are some medicines you need to avoid while you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you're not sure whether a particular medicine is safe to use, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I treat the flu when I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are ways to help with your symptoms. These methods are the same as those used to treat the symptoms of a cold.

Breastfeeding when I have the flu

You should continue to breastfeed your baby if you have the flu. Your breast milk can protect your baby from getting sick.

There are ways to help avoid spreading the flu to your baby while breastfeeding. You can:

• wash your hands before and after breastfeeding
• wear a face mask whilst breastfeeding
• sneeze and cough into a tissue
• ask someone who is well to bottle feed your baby

Medicines for the flu

Your doctor may prescribe you an antiviral medicine if they are concerned about the effects of the flu on your health.

This medicine is more effective the earlier you take it, so it's important to see your doctor when you first notice flu symptoms.

Antibiotics will not help you recover from the flu. This is because antibiotics only treat illnesses caused by bacteria, and the flu is caused by a virus.

What medicines can I take for colds and flu while I'm pregnant?

Some medicines are not safe to use during pregnancy.

Here is some information on the safety of medicines that may be used to treat colds and flu.

Medicine	Safety information
Paracetamol	Paracetamol is considered safe at all stages of pregnancy. Make sure you follow the directions on the label.
Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)	Ibuprofen should not be used during pregnancy unless your doctor has prescribed them.
Cough medicines	Only some types of cough medicine are safe during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have a cough, ask your doctor for advice.
Saline nasal sprays	Saline nasal sprays are safe to use during pregnancy but should not be used for more than 5 days.
Oral decongestant medicines such as pseudoephedrine	Oral decongestant medicines are not safe to use during pregnancy.

There is not much information about whether herbal supplements are safe during pregnancy. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any supplements.

If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change your medicines.

What medicines can I take for colds and flu while I'm breastfeeding?

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking medicines while you are breastfeeding.

Even if a medicine is safe to use when breastfeeding, it’s best to breastfeed your baby before taking your medicine.

Here is information about the safety of some common medicines for colds and flu while breastfeeding:

Medicine	Safety information
Paracetamol	Paracetamol may be used while breastfeeding. Make sure you follow the directions on the label.
Ibuprofen	Ibuprofen is generally safe to use when breastfeeding. If you are taking other medicines or have a health condition, speak with your doctor before taking ibuprofen.
Aspirin	Aspirin is not safe to use if you are breastfeeding.
Codeine	Codeine is in many prescription cold and flu tablets and can make your baby sleepy. If you take codeine and your baby becomes more sleepy than usual, stop using codeine and speak to your doctor. Codeine is not found in over-the-counter medicines.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are found in some cold and flu tablets	Decongestants are not recommended while breastfeeding as they can reduce your milk supply and make your baby irritable.
Saline nasal sprays	Saline nasal sprays are safe to use while you are breastfeeding.
Decongestant nasal sprays with the active ingredients oxymetazoline and xylometazoline	These nasal sprays can be used while you're breastfeeding because they mainly affect your nose and don’t go into your breast milk.

There is not much information about the safety of complementary therapies when breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding and want to use herbal medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some medicines are not safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new medicine.

LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand name or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.

What are the complications of the flu during pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant, the flu can be dangerous for you and your baby. You’re more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications.

Complications of catching the flu during pregnancy include:

• pneumonia
• damage to your heart or other organs
• premature labour
• stillbirth

Watch this video to find out why you should vaccinate against flu in pregnancy.

Can the flu be prevented?

When you’re pregnant you are more likely to catch the flu. The best way to protect you and your baby from the flu is through vaccination.

You can get the flu vaccine at any stage of your pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The flu vaccine is also recommended if you are planning a pregnancy.

You should get vaccinated against the flu even if you were vaccinated last year. The flu vaccine is updated every year to make sure it can best protect you.

Resources and support

For more information about colds and flu during pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit these resources:

• The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing offers information about influenza vaccination during pregnancy.
• The Therapeutic Goods Administration database allows you to find out more about the safety of medicines when pregnant.

Languages other than English

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing provides information about influenza and maternal vaccinations in many community languages.