Pregnant Women Need a Flu Shot!

by clarkebenefits_admin Posted on: November 19, 2012Categories: LiveWell 24/7

If you’re pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious illnesses caused by the flu.

The flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu, which can lead to hospitalization or even death. A pregnant woman with the flu also has a greater chance of serious problems for her unborn baby, including miscarriage or preterm birth.

A flu shot can protect pregnant women, their unborn babies, and even the baby after birth.

The Flu Shot is the Best Protection against Flu

Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. When given during pregnancy, the flu shot has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu. The flu shot is safe to get at any time while you are pregnant, during any trimester. (The nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.)

The Flu Shot is Safe for Pregnant Women

Flu shots are a safe way to protect pregnant women and their unborn children from serious illness and complications of flu, like pneumonia. The flu shot has been given to millions of pregnant women over many years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. It is very important for pregnant women to get the flu shot.

Early Treatment is Important for Pregnant Women

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. If needed, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine that treats the flu.

Pregnant women who get a fever should treat it with a fever-reducing medicine containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and contact their doctor as soon as possible.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

If you have any of these signs, call 911 right away:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
High fever that is not responding to Tylenol (or store brand equivalent)
Decreased or no movement of your baby

For more information pertaining to this subject, please refer to: http://www.cdc.gov/features/pregnancyandflu/