A woman in her third trimester of pregnancy was looking at the ‘I got my flu shot!’ button that was attached to my identification card. “What’s the fuss about pregnant women and the flu?” she said. “It’s just coughing and fever for a week, right?”
In fact, the flu, or Influenza, is a serious respiratory infection.
Unlike the common cold (and the coughing and sneezing that comes with it), the flu can develop into more serious health problems such as pneumonia or worsen other medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease or uncontrolled diabetes.
In pregnant women, changes in immune, heart and lung functions during pregnancy can make the mother very ill from the flu. It also increases the risk for premature labour and delivery.
That’s why pregnant women should receive the vaccine.
The flu is a respiratory infection that can be dangerous if contracted during pregnancy.
Here are some tips to keep yourself Influenza-free this winter:
- Get your flu shot. It’s available now, for free. Find a location near you. Flu vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, some workplaces and pharmacies.
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes and face
- Practice good housekeeping – flu germs can live on surfaces like table tops or door handles for up to 8 hours.
A flu shot during pregnancy can help you avoid getting seriously ill from the virus.
Oh, and our pregnant mom? She went and got her flu immunization that day.
