What you should know about the flu shotFlu vaccineinpregnancyyou should know
inpregnancyThere is a higher chance of catching the flu and experiencing more difficulties during pregnancy, yet only 50% of pregnant women receive the flu vaccine. Experts recommend that if you are pregnant, you should get the flu shot as soon as possible.Flu vaccineIt doesn’t matter if you are in your first, second, or third trimester.
Is it dangerous to get the flu vaccine during pregnancy?
Flu vaccines are safe even if you are pregnant. Various studies have not only proven the safety of these vaccines but also shown that getting vaccinated leads to better outcomes for you andyour babyFor example, it reduces the risk of stillbirth.
On the other hand, there is misinformation about the risks of vaccines, and fears of vaccines related to miscarriage or evenautismin infants are widespread, which has been completely dismissed by experts. In fact, the flu vaccine used during pregnancy does not contain live virus and is not a concern.
What are the risks of not getting the flu vaccine?
The risks of catching the flu for you and your baby are more significant than anything else. According to doctors, pregnancy causes changes in the respiratory, cardiovascular, fluid balance, and immune systems, making you more prone to severe illness or even death from the flu; furthermore, if you get the flu while pregnant, your risk of respiratory problems increases, creating tough conditions for you, potentially requiring hospitalization and risking the life of your baby in the ICU.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that if you are pregnant, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of severe infections and hospitalizations. Moreover, if you have chronic illnesses likediabetesor heart disease, your immune system is weaker, putting you at greater risk of severe infections and hospitalization after contracting the flu; thus, getting the flu shot becomes very important.
How does getting the flu vaccine help during pregnancy?
Research shows that people who get vaccinated typically have healthier pregnancies. If you get the flu vaccine, you are less at risk of giving birth to babies with defects or other complications.
More importantly, the flu vaccine not only protects your baby in the womb but also gives them stronger immunity for up to six months after birth. According to specialists, this is essential as babies under six months old cannot receive vaccines because their immune systems are not sufficiently developed.
What should we do if we catch the flu during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant, regardless of whether you’ve been vaccinated or not, see a doctor if you experience flu symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain
- Fatigue
Pregnant women who experience early symptoms and visit the doctor will receive antiviral medications.
According to the doctor’s advice, other family members should also get the flu vaccine; they should avoid direct contact with sick individuals and wash their hands frequently; therefore, do not hesitate to get the flu vaccine during pregnancy.
