The Flu Shot is Safe for Pregnant Women

The Flu Shot is Safe for Pregnant Women
by Samuel Ezerzer

Pregnant woman have a weaker immune system puts pregnant women at higher risk for more severe illness as well as birth complications when they give birth .Pregnant women are among the groups considered the most vulnerable for catching the flu. So how can we protect ourselves while being pregnant , experts say there’s no need to panic since there are many ways to protect against the flu.If you are pregnant, and haven’t already gotten your flu shot, you should talk to your doctor about it right away.Many immunologists say something is better than nothing ,Get the flu shot. It’s not too late.



There are key issues that pregnant woman should once they have the flu; 

1.That pregnant women have more difficulty in fighting off infections – both viral and bacterial. because of the immune system is weak and its due to hormonal change.



2. The pregnancy hormones PROGESTERONE  One of the effects of PROGESTERONE in pregnancy is that it creates capillary engorgement and swelling of the lining of the nose and oral pharynx , because of this hormone PROGESTERONE  a pregnant women will contract viruses more often than a woman who is not pregnant.

3.There are huge  physical changes in the breathing system of a pregnant women , there is an upward displacement of the diaphragm which means  the total lung capacity is decreased by 20%  and pregnant woman will have a harder time breathing when they catch the flu.

4.The last point that I want to make is that one of the reason that woman have a hard time breathing when they catch the flu as well is because  you’re now breathing for two.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Publishes Report on the Nation’s Health

Pregnant Women & Influenza (Flu)
Source; from web site of the Center for Decease Control and Prevention




Pregnant Women and the Flu Shot: 
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 as well as hospitalizations and even death. Pregnant woman with flu also have a greater chance for serious problems for their unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery.
Flu shots will protect pregnant women, their unborn babies and even protect 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. The flu shot given during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu. (The nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.) Learn more about the flu vaccine.

The Flu Shot is Safe for Pregnant Women
Flu shots are a safe way to protect the mother and her unborn child from serious illness and complications of flu. 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.



Other Preventive Actions
In addition to getting the flu shot, pregnant women should take additional everyday preventive actions.
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.
Having a fever caused by flu infection or other infections early in pregnancy can lead to birth defects in an unborn child. Pregnant women who get a fever should treat their fever with Tylenol® (or store brand equivalent) 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

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm

for more information please click on the website

Flu Epidemic Obama White House explains, advises; full text
Full text of the White House 

source
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01157053ffea970b-popup
Full text of the White House emergency swine influenza 

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