The flu shot is the best defence anyone can have in order to be protected against a harmful and common virus, and will also safeguard the immune system.
But is the flu shot also advisable for pregnant women?
Absolutely.
The flu shot is excellent protection for pregnant women, and it is greatly advised that they get the flu shot at any trimester in order to protect themselves and their unborn child. The shot is even safe after delivery, and for breastfeeding and lactating mothers.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the influenza shot to all pregnant women in order to get the following benefits:
Restrain flu and other maternal complications. Pregnancy stages add additional pressure to the heart and lungs of any pregnant woman. It also has a great impact on the immune system which opens up the risk of becoming ill due to flu viruses such as pneumonia.
Obstruct possible problems due to the flu while pregnant. Having flu during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, untimely or premature birth, and low birth weight of the baby.
Provide additional protection to the baby even after birth. Babies are at high risk of getting sick and catching flu, especially as flu vaccines for children can only be done when the baby turns six months old. Infants whose mothers have taken a flu shot during pregnancy are most likely healthy and have a lower risk of being hospitalized. This increases still further for breastfeeding mothers, whose children share their immune system while they are nursing.
Pregnant women who take the vaccine will not only lower their chances of acquiring the flu, but also lower the risk when coming in contact with those who are sick.
In the event that you do come in contact with those already infected, older children, for example, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, and make it a habit to regularly wash hands with soap and water afterward. Avoid sharing glasses or utensils with those who are infected by the virus also. Remember that prevention is still much better than cure. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor or a pharmacist on how to keep yourself safe and healthy against viruses.
Nasal Spray Vaccine
For anyone, most especially present and expectant mothers, if you wish to have a flu shot, it’s probably best not to go for the nasal spray vaccine. Flu shots are made from an inactivated virus, which is why it is very safe for both the mother and the unborn during the pregnancy stage. However, the nasal spray vaccine is produced from a live virus, which of course is not appropriate while in the conception process and during gestation.
Do you have allergies?
Please also do take note that some flu vaccines contain minute amounts of egg protein, so if you are allergic to eggs, consult your doctor or specialist before taking the shot. In almost all cases, you can receive the vaccine, but you may have to wait around a half an hour to see if there are any adverse reactions.
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