Flu Shots During Pregnancy
by Susan Warhus, M.D.
Excerpt from Countdown to Baby: Answers to the Top 100 Questions About Pregnancy and Childbirth by Susan Warhus, M.D. Can you explain the controversy surrounding flu shots?
People seem to become concerned when they hear about getting vaccinations during pregnancy. That's because some vaccinations are made with live active virus and those should not be given during pregnancy because of the theoretical risk of transmission to the fetus. Examples of live virus vaccines to avoid during pregnancy include those for measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox (varicella). Traditional flu shots are vaccinations made from inactivated virus and are considered safe during pregnancy.
Should a pregnant woman get a flu shot? If so, under what circumstances?
Pregnancy may worsen the serious effects of the flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the flu shot vaccine for women in the second and third trimester during the flu (winter) season (but always check with your own physician for his or her opinion on what's best in your case). A new flu vaccine is made each year because the influenza virus changes each winter season. For this reason, you must get the vaccine (flu shot) once a year. Under what conditions should she avoid the shot (e.g. how far along in the pregnancy, allergies, past reactions, etc.)?
Most experts advise avoiding the flu shot during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is primarily because all medications and vaccinations are traditionally avoided during the first trimester to avoid a coincidental association with miscarriage. Additionally, if you have a known allergy or past reaction to the flu shot, talk with your doctor about how to manage your particular situation. What treatment should she use/avoid if she gets the flu while pregnant?
If you suspect you have the flu, call your doctor. Untreated flu can become severe and lead to pneumonia. Your doctor will evaluate and treat you. Treatment is typically aimed at reducing your symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, cough, muscle/joint soreness, and fatigue. It's important to keep your fever down, get plenty of rest, and increase your fluid intake (water, juice, broth). Again, most doctors recommend avoiding all medications during the first trimester, if possible. During the second and third trimesters, some over-the-counter medications are commonly recommended for cold and flu symptoms. Commonly recommended over-the counter medications may include: Tylenol, Benadryl, Actifed, Sudafed, Robitussin, and Sucrets. (To be absolutely certain the medication is safe for you and your pregnancy, ask your doctor.) Typically, most doctors will recommend that you avoid certain over-the-counter medication such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Naproxen, Aleve, all NSAIDs products, aspirin and products containing aspirin, Nyquil or other medications with high alcohol content. (In certain cases, your doctor may approve the use of these medications. What your doctor says about your particular situation takes precedence over the information given here.) RELATED AND CURRENT ARTICLES: Expectant and New Mothers Need to Know What to Do About the Flu, MOST Online
Should I Get a Flu Shot When Pregnant?, BabyCenter.com
Flu Shot In Pregnancy: Is It Safe?, James M. Steckelberg, M.D., Mayo Clinic
Flu Shots During Pregnancy, Ask Heidi, WhatToExpect.com
Flu-Fighting Foods that Will Keep Your Family Healthy, CafeMom.com Swine Flu: A Guide for Parents, Parenting.com ---- Dr. Susan Warhus lives in Scottsdale, AZ. She co-founded the largest all female OB practice in Arizona (Caring for Women, PC) and practiced for about 18 years. During that time, she delivered more than 3000 babies! She retired from clinical practice about three years ago because she had open heart surgery. Now she can reach a wider audience with her first book, Countdown to Baby: Answers to the 100 Most Asked Questions about Pregnancy & Childbirth. Since then, she's published two others: Darn Good Advice Pregnancy, co-authored with David Hitch, and Fertility Demystified.
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