Pregnancy and the 2025–2026 Respiratory Virus Season: What to Know About Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Protection

Respiratory virus season is still active across much of the United States as we move through early 2026. For people who are pregnant—or planning to be—this matters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy increases the risk of serious illness from influenza (flu) and COVID-19. At the same time, newborns are especially vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), particularly in their first months of life.

Here’s what current U.S. guidance says for the 2025–2026 season, and what it means for everyday families.

Why pregnancy changes the risk picture

Pregnancy affects the immune system, heart, and lungs. These normal physiologic changes can make respiratory infections more serious.

Flu: The CDC reports that pregnant people are more likely to be hospitalized with flu compared with nonpregnant adults of the same age.
COVID-19: The CDC also notes higher risks of severe illness, including hospitalization and complications such as preterm birth, among pregnant patients with COVID-19.
RSV: RSV can be mild in adults but may cause severe disease in infants, especially those under 6 months old.

These risks are why national public health agencies and professional organizations emphasize prevention during pregnancy.

Flu vaccination: Recommended during any trimester

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, including people who are pregnant. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports vaccination during any trimester.

Key points for 2025–2026:

Flu vaccination during pregnancy helps protect both the pregnant person and the baby.
Antibodies generated after vaccination cross the placenta and may help protect the newborn during the first months of life.
Inactivated (non-live) flu vaccines are used during pregnancy.

Flu vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year, depending on how well the vaccine matches circulating strains. Even in moderate seasons, vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

COVID-19 vaccination: Staying up to date

CDC guidance continues to recommend that people who are pregnant stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination. This includes receiving the currently recommended updated vaccine formulation for the 2025–2026 season, if eligible.

Large observational studies conducted over the past several years have not found increased risks of miscarriage, infertility, or major birth defects associated with COVID-19 vaccination. However, as with all medical interventions, ongoing monitoring continues through federal safety systems.

It’s important to note that most safety data come from observational studies rather than randomized trials in pregnant populations. While this is common in pregnancy research for ethical reasons, it means researchers rely on real-world data and surveillance systems to track outcomes over time.

RSV protection for newborns

RSV remains a leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. In recent seasons, two strategies have been used to protect babies:

A maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy (typically in the third trimester) to pass protective antibodies to the infant.
A monoclonal antibody product given directly to infants after birth.

The CDC provides guidance on timing and eligibility for each option. Not every pregnancy requires both approaches; clinicians help families decide based on timing, local RSV activity, and individual risk factors.

For families expecting a fall or winter birth, discussing RSV protection during prenatal visits is especially important.

Oral health during pregnancy: An often-overlooked piece

Pregnancy can increase the risk of gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis). The American Dental Association and ACOG both state that routine dental care is safe during pregnancy and important for overall health.

While gum disease has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in some observational studies, researchers have not established a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Still, maintaining good oral hygiene, attending dental checkups, and treating infections promptly are practical steps that support whole-body health.

When to seek medical care

If you are pregnant and develop symptoms such as:

High fever
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Decreased fetal movement
Signs of dehydration

contact your healthcare provider promptly. Antiviral medications are available for flu and may be recommended during pregnancy, especially for those at higher risk of complications. Early treatment matters.

Access and insurance considerations

Most private insurance plans and Medicaid programs cover recommended vaccines during pregnancy with no cost-sharing when provided by in-network clinicians, under federal preventive services requirements. Coverage details can vary, so checking with your insurer or Medicaid plan is wise.

Community health centers and local health departments may also offer low-cost or no-cost vaccination programs.

What remains uncertain

Respiratory virus patterns shift from year to year. Vaccine effectiveness, timing of seasonal peaks, and strain circulation can vary. Researchers continue to monitor:

Long-term outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnancy
Real-world effectiveness of maternal RSV vaccination
Equitable access to preventive care across communities

Public health recommendations may evolve as new evidence emerges.

What this means for families

If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy in 2026, prevention is practical and proactive:

Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
Attend regular prenatal visits.
Discuss RSV protection options for your newborn.
Maintain good oral and general health.

Most pregnancies are healthy. The goal of these recommendations is to reduce avoidable risks and protect both parent and baby during a season when respiratory viruses are circulating nationwide.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early, limited, or subject to change as new evidence emerges. For personal guidance, diagnosis, or treatment, consult a licensed clinician. For current outbreak or public health guidance, follow your local health department, the CDC, or another relevant public health authority.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination guidance for pregnant people
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – RSV prevention recommendations
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Immunization during pregnancy guidance
American Dental Association (ADA) – Oral health during pregnancy