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Is It Safe To Take Flu Shot During Pregnancy

During pregnancy the risk of complications arising will be doubled if there is also an attack of flu. Women who are pregnant face two times a risk of being hospitalized for flu then women who are not and are of the same age. Pregnancy weakens the immunity system and also her respiratory system. These changes greatly expose pregnant women to the risks of flu and the complications arising there from. According to the advises of the United states committee on immunization practices, pregnant women are strongly advised to receive a flu shot, and the Nasal Flu Mist Vaccine (LAIV) is also not recommended in the case of pregnant women.

Health care during pregnancy is of greater concern because of the baby who breathes and feeds on the food, water and air that the mother eats, drinks and breathes. As the baby is completely dependent on the mother so also the baby’s health depends on the health of the mother.

The immune system of pregnant women is weakened slightly to receive the fetus. And women during the period of gestation become very vulnerable to infections such as simple colds coughs and even flu.

Over the counter drugs are never advisable for pregnant women. It is dangerous to pop up pills for every wild reason with out proper diagnosis and prescription of the doctor or obstetrician who is attending on the pregnant woman. Most of the over the counter drugs are not tested for safety during pregnancy and could adversely affect the unborn baby.

Antibiotics if necessary during pregnancy may be safe but only and if taken under the advise or guidance of the medical practitioner.

During pregnancy it is always better to resort to simple home remedies for the symptoms that accompany flu. Use lukewarm saltwater gargle for sore throat, nasal sprays for nasal congestions, pain balm applications for headache and other pain balms for body aches cough lozenges are safe for cough. Extra strong pain relievers may be used but only after consulting the doctor. Aspirin and Ibuprofen tablets should be avoided. Proper rest, lots of fluids and hot soups are advisable. Inhaling of decongestant vapors can be helpful.

Being over cautious during pregnancy is O.K. and because of this so many things including many medicines and food items are considered taboo during pregnancy and flu shot is added to this avoidable things, which seems to be a misconception if we go by the studies of U.S. Advisory committee on Immunization Practices.

Pregnant women are considered to be a high risk group for flu and it is strongly advised that they get a flu shot if they are pregnant during the flu season which is usually November, December continuing up to march and April.

Administration of flu shot during pregnancy is advisable usually during the first trimester but of late it is accepted that it could be given during any trimester. It is always advisable that the pregnant women get their flu shots before the onslaught of the flu season. To avoid flu during gestation, which might put the mother and the baby at high risk.

Flu shot for the pregnant woman will decrease the chances of the new born baby getting an attack of flu immediately after birth.

To sum up not taking a flu shot during pregnancy can expose the woman to flu accompanied by fever, body pains, head ache, severe malaise, dry cough, sore throat and runny nose, with some of them hanging on for weeks together.

Getting a flu shot during pregnancy can protect your baby by transferring the influenza vaccine specific antibodies into the baby’s body which can last for a minimum of two months and these will help your baby’s immune system to combat the flu virus.

According to report on Infant Protection Through Maternal Immunization, maternal immunization with activated influenza virus vaccine is considered safe during any stage of pregnancy and has not exhibited any adverse effects either on the mother or child.

Scientists do agree that the present flu vaccine does not contain "Thimersosal", a mercury-containing compound which is used as a preservative but the CDC report that because pregnant women are at a high risk for flu related complaints and complications and as a substantial safety margin has been incorporated into the health guidance values for organic mercury exposure, the benefit of influenza vaccine with reduced standard thimerosal content outweighs the potential risks if any, for thimerosal.

Lactating mothers can also get flu shots with out any apprehensions and this again is a good way to protect your newborn from an attack of flu.

Side Effects If Any: The main side effects of which women usually complain of are mild tenderness and swelling at the spot where the jab was made. More generalized side effects include mild fever, malaise, fatigue and muscle pains, but these may be more common in people who have never taken a shot before. Related allergies are very rare. (Source-keepkidshealthy.com).