Pregnant? Get influenza shots, stop severe complications
Bengaluru: Pregnant? Get an influenza flu shot to stay unharmed by serious illnesses and complications from the flu. The Influenza virus is likely to cause severe complications in pregnant women than other women. Though high-risk groups like children are advised to get themselves vaccinated, pregnant women were earlier not always told to get the flu shots. But now, the doctors are prescribing these injections.
“Pregnant women who get flu are at a higher risk of hospitalisation, and even death, than non-pregnant women. A severe illness can also affect the foetus and increases the chance of serious problems like premature labour and delivery,” said Dr Sheela Mane, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital.
“Pregnant women have low immunity and we have started giving flu shots to our patients for the last three months,” said Dr Leela Bhagwan, Gynaecologist, Cloud Nine Hospital. She, however, warned that the people should not confuse it with H1N1 vaccinations.
“These are for seasonal flu and not for H1N1. It is also being recommended by the Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society of India,” she said. Given the changes in the immune system and heart and lung functions during pregnancy, women face an increased risk of flu complications. They include pneumonia, ear infections, worsening of pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart and kidney problems.
“It is advisable to get these shots after five months of pregnancy. But if there is an epidemic, it can be given anytime,” said Dr Leela. “Not many know the importance of influenza shots during pregnancy,” said Dr Sheela. “It is an inactivated vaccine and is very safe. There is transplacental transfer of vaccine into the foetus, and with one shot you can protect both the mother and the baby,” she said.