The flu season is always a treacherous one that people, especially parents, can't wait to come out on the other side of; but this year, the flu is presenting itself rather strongly, already taking the lives of people of all ages around the nation. The CDC has even issued a serious warning about this year's particularly dangerous strain, asking people to be as diligent as possible in protecting themselves from the flu by getting a flu shot, washing hands often, covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing, and avoiding close contact with anyone who has the flu. However, parents know that last one isn't always feasible, but if you're a pregnant parent, there's an argument for putting the care of a sick child (or partner), if at all possible, on someone else this flu season.

POPSUGAR spoke with Denise Pate, MD, a doctor of internal medicine at Medical Offices of Manhattan, who noted that pregnant women, especially, should be cautious during the flu season due to their slightly compromised immune systems.