Having a Flu Shot Is For Everyone

The flu shot is the best defense anyone can have in order to be protected against any harmful diseases and common allergies that may trigger during our everyday lifestyle. Even an allergy physician will recommend this to you in order to safeguard your immune system.

Benefits of Getting Flu Shot during Pregnancy

But is flu shot also advisable for pregnant women? It’s an absolute YES! The flu shot is the most excellent protection a pregnant woman can have against the threat of influenza, a very serious illness. It is greatly advised that pregnant women get the flu shot at any trimester in order to protect herself and most importantly her unborn child. The shot is even safe after delivery and for breastfeeding and lactating mothers. This is also to protect the mother from certain allergies such as asthma since there is no recorded case of allergy risk from a flu vaccine during pregnancy. It means that all flu shots for pregnant women are designed and specially formulated for their special case.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the (influenza) shot to all pregnant women in order to get the following benefits:

• Restrain flu and other maternal complications.

Pregnancy stages add additional pressure to the heart and lungs of any pregnant women. It also has a great impact on the immune system which opens a lot of risks to becoming ill because of certain flu such as pneumonia. Plus, the risk of asthma caused by certain allergic reactions can be avoided first-hand.

• Obstruct possible problems due to the flu during pregnancy.

Having flu during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, untimely or premature birth, and low birth weight of the baby.

• Provide additional protection to the baby even after birth.

Babies are at high risk of getting sick to acquiring flu, especially that flu vaccines for children can only be done when the baby turned 6 months old. Infants whose mother had taken a flu shot during pregnancy are most likely healthy and have a lower risk of being hospitalized.

For anyone, most especially mothers and expectant mothers, if you wish to have a flu shot, do not go for the nasal spray vaccine as much as possible. Flu shots are made out of inactivated virus that is why it is very safe for both the mother and the unborn during the pregnancy stage. Now, the nasal spray vaccine is produced out of living viruses, which of course is not appropriate while in the conceiving process and during pregnancy.

Protection for You and Your Baby

Pregnant women who take the vaccine will not only lower their chances of acquiring the flu but as well as the low risk of getting in contact with those who are sick. In the event that they get sick, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth and make it a habit to regularly wash hands with soap and water before getting in contact with others. Avoid sharing glasses or utensils with those who are infected with the virus to avoid the spread of it, specifically if you are pregnant. Remember that prevention is still much better than cure. So do not hesitate to ask your doctor on how to keep you or a pregnant woman safe and healthy against viruses and allergy attacks.

Additional Reminder:

Please also do take note that the flu vaccine contains minimal egg protein, so if you are allergic to eggs, please do consult your allergist doctor or a specialist before taking the shot. But you can also take the flu shot, however; you may have to wait around 30 minutes if you will get any reaction from the shot. Although there are also flu shots that do not contain egg protein, which is being used for adults ages 18 and above, it is also advised to consult a doctor or allergist doctor Manassas first. If you have any possible reaction to the vaccine or any drug reaction history of some sort, do let them know too. It is very important for doctors and allergists to know your medical history in order for them to be prepared and prescribe you with the correct medication. Because if not, it’s like risking 2 lives for the shot of 1. The journey of having a baby is never easy, therefore, for Moms-to-be out there, be mindful of your health and take the necessary step to maintain a healthy lifestyle for you and your baby.