Pregnancy is a delicate phase for any woman, and it comes with its share of joys, discomforts, and health concerns. Everyone knows that mothers are the superheroes who carry new life inside them for nine months. But these heroic beings need special care to ward off ailments like influenza that can harm both mother and baby. So, let's dive into the discussion on whether a flu vaccine during pregnancy is safe or not.
What Is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is an infectious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses A and B. It can result in symptoms ranging from mild to severe disease outcomes such as hospitalization or death.
Why Is Flu Considered More Dangerous During Pregnancy?
A pregnant woman's immune system undergoes significant changes throughout pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. These changes make her more vulnerable to infections such as influenza than women who are not pregnant (1). Moreover, according to a review conducted by Rasmussen et al., pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were at increased risk for ICU admission (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–3.0) compared with non-pregnant women of reproductive age with COVID-19(2).
Complications related to the flu virus may include pneumonia which puts additional stress on the already taxed body systems of an expecting mom.
How Can Pregnant Women Avoid Catching The Flu?
Apart from wearing masks in public places and adopting other healthy practices such as frequent hand washing/using sanitizers etc., getting vaccinated against seasonal viruses before attempting conception or during pregnancy could be beneficial.
When traveling internationally you should always speak with your doctor about receiving relevant vaccines including tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, hepatitis B and A, typhoid fever, yellow fever, rabies exposure (especially for international travelers), Japanese encephalitis (for travel to rural areas in Asia), meningococcus infections among others(3).
Is Flu Vaccine Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to avoid contracting this contagious respiratory illness. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy not only reduces the risks associated with influenza but also provides passive immunity or protection of offspring after birth—navy seals right! Research studies conducted over several years have shown that getting a yearly flu vaccination does not increase the risk of any safety concerns(4) or result in miscarriage(5). So, it's safe for expectant moms!
When Should One Get Vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) recommends getting a flu shot during each pregnancy as soon as possible regardless of trimester since pregnant women can get very sick from the virus or experience other complications without knowing they contracted influenza.
Getting vaccinated should be done before onset seasons twice annually for those planning conception until delivery has been safely achieved. This precaution helps to fortify defense mechanisms against virus which causes inflammation within lung air passages leading up into tissue regions further down where airflow limited creating another set problem opportunities such as:
- Double pneumonia
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
In addition to combating mild illnesses like colds etc while keeping strong immune system overall which will protect you after delivery too!
Most importantly remember there are no approved coronavirus vaccine at this time so make sure you prioritize annual vaccines recommended by CDC/WHO/EU Centers etc first unless the global outbreak worsens requiring attention adjustment accordingly.
Can Pregnant Women Get Mist Intranasal Vaccine Instead Of Injectables?
No Sir/Madam-hand gestures here-they cannot receive nasal spray types because they contain live attenuated viruses thus unsafe even if slightly-improper handling or disposal could cause moderate to severe illness in unborn baby.
How Does The Flu Vaccine Protect The Mother-To-Be And Unborn Baby?
The flu vaccine contains harmless fragments of dead influenza viruses that trigger the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. When a vaccinated mother is exposed to live virus during pregnancy, these preformed specific antibodies transmitted into regular fluids i.e., through umbilical cord-would thwart it off thus protecting both mom and child from getting sick(6).
Furthermore,vaccinated pregnant females experience four times reduced infections regarding respiratory disorder numbers compared unvaccinated sector who were studied within observational research over time reinforcing advantages about subject matter (7) leaving no doubt efficacy overall.
In conclusion
Overall, this advisory 'do get your shot', has been directed toward every future mom out there(takes bow😊). Science speaks for itself when it comes to health care means better protection for ourselves but also those near us too(think snuggles with little one🥰). Get yourself inoculated and enjoy all aspects your wonderland journey while knowing germs won’t be playing spoiler!