Pregnant Women and the Flu

As the end of summer is near, flu season is right behind. Here are a few "to know" things about pregnant women and the flu.

Signs and Symptoms : Fever(100F or higher), cough, or sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills, headache, fatigue and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting.

The best way to prevent the flu is getting vaccinated for both H1N1 flu and seasonal flu. Both shots are safe and both protect your newborn from getting the flu. Babies younger than 6 months cannot get the flu shot.

If you think you have flu symptoms take it very seriously. Contact your pregnancy care provider immediately so that flu medications can be started and further instructions given by your provider. If you have a fever, you should begin taking acetaminophen(Tylenol) right away and follow instructions from your pregnancy care provider.

Go immediatley to the emeregeny room if you have any of these signs: difficulty breathing, pressure or pain in your chest, unable to keep liquids down, if you were recovering from the flu and are now sicker, and dizzy when standing.

If you come in close contact with someone who has the flu contact your pregnancy care provider right away. You may need medicine to reduce your chances of getting the flu.

To prevent from getting sick wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or sneeze into sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash, Stay away from sick people. Have a plan for someone else to take care of a sick family member.

Some pregnant women are concerned about the safety of the H1N1 flu and seasonal flu vaccines. Both flu vaccines are safe. Vaccination is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself and your baby. Both shots protect your baby from getting the flu. Your baby cannot get the flu shot until 6 months of age. The seasonal flu vaccine has been given safely to millions of pregnant women over the past 45 years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. The H1N1 flu vaccine is made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine. The type of mercury used in some vaccines has not been shown to be harmful to a pregnant women or her unborn baby. Mercury has not been found to cause autism. However, of you are still concerned, there is an H1N1 shot without mercury (may or may not be available in your area). The risk for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby of getting sick with the flu is far greater than being vaccinated. If you did not get the flu vaccines during pregnancy you should still get them even if you are breastfeeding. This will help prevent you and your baby from getting the flu.

Who should not be vaccinated

a.) people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
b.) people who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
c.) people who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
d.)children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for t his age group)
e.) people who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated)


posted by Tammy Bekish, MA