The risk of a flu to the baby toward due date?

I'm almost 33 weeks and caught a flu a few days ago.  Apparently, my immune system is not acting up right.  I read that catching a flu during late pregnancy can cause early labor if the immune system starts acting up as the fetus is a foreign object.  My question is does a flu harm my baby or cause birth complications?  Would my baby get a flu and suffer the same symptoms when I have a flu?

[misseltoe]

The illness is a concern for you, though probably not a big concern.  You should take extra care to keep yourself hydrated and as well as you possibly can.  Also, do you know that it was a "flu" for sure?  As most people don't get a true flu, but rather a virus.  Whatever it is, your baby probably won't notice it at all.

A friend of mine had a horrible pregnancy where she not only got whooping cough, but also broke a rib because of all of the coughing.  Her illness was horrible for her, it lasted for months and months.  But it was nothing for her baby.  

Those babies are well protected, and will do what they need to do to keep themselves safe and well nourished.  

You may notice that you have more contractions if you are coughing or not drinking enough water/fluids.  You should be extra careful to be sure to drink lots of fluids, as dehydration will cause contractions.  Usually those contractions are not productive, and that is the important thing.

Getting sick won't cause you to go into labor.  You didn't mention fever.  Do you have a fever?  You do need to go to the hospital if your fever reaches a certain point.  It's like 101 or 102.  I can't remember which.

[AnnieBrooke]

I don't think that catching a flu is an indication of your immune system having a problem.  The flu is a contagious illness, and people with perfectly normal immune systems get it all the time.  Did your doctor tell you that you have an immune system problem?  If not, it seems the baby might not be bothered by what is going on.

[Gili]

I don't have a fever, but I certain caught a flu from my nephew.  It's more uncomfortable than usual because I can't take any medication.

[Me2mommy2b]

I feel for you.  I totally agree with misseltoe about keeping hydrated and taking care of yourself.  I had the flu during my second trimester and b/c I couldn't take any meds, I had a terrible cough for at least 8 weeks.  It was pretty bad but the key point was that the baby was perfectly fine.  Hang in there.  If you have a stuffy nose, irrigating it or some steam might help.  Also, gargling with warm, salty water helps if you have a sore throat.  Hope you feel better soon.