By Emily Miller
As the temperature continues to drop, the seasonal influenza activity is expected to increase, leaving pregnant women at an increased risk for influenza-associated complications.
The Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has compiled some valuable information for pregnant women to take into account, as we head into the winter season.
Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, acting director of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response at the CDC, addresses the issue that most pregnant women are often unaware that they are at a high risk of developing influenza-related complications. They are at a high risk due to the changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs as well as the fact that they are more prone to severe illnesses or even hospitalizations.
According to CDC recommendations, everyone 6 months and older should get the vaccination against influenza once every year around this time, as it is the best protection against contracting the flu.
Receiving an influenza vaccine during pregnancy not only reduces a pregnant woman’s risk for influenza infection, but also the risk for her infant to become ill with influenza during the first 6 months of life, when the baby is too young to receive the shot by themselves.
Studies have shown that doing this also reduces the occurrence of such adverse pregnancy outcomes such as small size for gestational age and preterm birth.
The specific type of influenza vaccine a pregnant woman takes is especially important. Inactivated influenza vaccine – the flue shot – is safe and can be administered during any pregnancy trimester. The same cannot be said about live attenuated influenza vaccine – the nasal spray – as it is not recommended for use during any stage of pregnancy.
The flu shot is recommended during pregnancy by both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Over the years, millions of pregnant women have received a flu shot, and it has not been shown to harm pregnant women or their babies.
If pregnant or hoping to become pregnant in the near future, speak to your healthcare provider about their recommendations regarding the flu vaccine and how it could benefit both you and your child.
If a pregnant woman becomes sick and is suspected of having the flu, it is imperative that she receives proper antiviral treatment as soon as possible. It is recommended that pregnant women receive the same antiviral dosage as non-pregnant women. The ideal time to administer treatment should be within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
· 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®
· Decreased or no movement of your baby
