H1N1 Swine Flu and Seasonal Flu During Pregnancy
Healthcare Authorities Recommend Flu Shot for Pregnant Women
Oct 25, 2009
On October 20, 2009, the president of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a statement to obstetricians and gynecologists stressing the importance of vaccinating pregnant women against seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu. The statement addresses the fact that more and more pregnant women are hospitalized from influenza complications and some are dying from H1N1.
In the statement by the ACOG, pregnant women with the flu should be treated right away with antiviral medicine. Also, pregnant women who present with any flu-like symptoms should be treated with antiviral therapy as if they have the flu and waiting on flu test results is not necessary. The risks and benefits of the antiviral medication far outweigh the risk and danger to mother and baby from both H1N1 and seasonal influenza.
Serious Flu Complications Can Cause Severe Pneumonia, Premature Labor and Death
Pregnancy weakens the immune system and pregnant women who contract the flu, whether it is seasonal or H1N1, run a great risk of developing serious pneumonia requiring hospitalization. The virus can also cause premature labor (reported from earlier flu pandemics). In one recent death, a Texas woman required hospitalization from H1N1, delivered her baby early via Cesarean section and the mother later died from H1N1 flu complications.
Myths Surrounding Both H1N1 Swine Flu and Seasonal Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy
The vaccine for pregnant women is surrounded by a few myths and physicians treating pregnant women should address these myths to educate women on the misconceptions. A few myths include the following:
- Flu vaccines contain thimerosol and may be harmful to mother and baby. - Thimerosol is not linked to harm in mother, baby or linked to cause autism. The H1N1 swine flu vaccine has been manufactured and tested the same way as the seasonal flu shot. Both shots can be manufactured with or without thimerosol in the vaccine.
- There is a risk of Guillain-Barre Syndrome with the flu shot. - The facts surrounding this myth include that there is no more than 1 case per 1 million persons vaccinated, including pregnant women. The vaccine used in the 1976 swine flu pandemic is completely different than the 2009 H1N1 swine flu vaccine.
- The shot is not safe for mother or baby. - The H1N1 flu shot has been developed and tested just like the seasonal flu shot. There is no evidence that the flu vaccine can cause harm to either mother or baby. The flu vaccine has been given to millions of mothers over that past 45 years with no documented reports of harm to either mother or baby.
- The vaccine has adjuvant or squalene in it and can cause harm to mother and baby. - Adjuvants such as squalene are added to a vaccine to increase a vaccine's effectiveness. There are no adjuvants in the seasonal flu or the H1N1 swine flu vaccination used in the United States.
- A pregnant woman can receive the nasal spray vaccine instead of the shot. - The nasal spray vaccine for seasonal flu and H1N1 is not licensed for use in pregnant women. They can receive the nasal spray flu vaccine for either seasonal flu or H1N1 flu after delivery.
Benefits of The H1N1 Swine Flu and Seasonal Flu Vaccine
There are benefits of the flu shot for both mother and baby. A mother receiving the vaccination while pregnant is also safeguarding her newborn up to six months of age. The seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 swine flu shot will prevent mother and baby from getting the flu. If the flu shot was not received during pregnancy, it is recommended after birth whether a mother is breastfeeding or not. This will prevent the mother from getting the flu and passing it onto baby. Both shots can be given on the same day and at any time during pregnancy.
Possible Side Effects
The side effects of the flu do not increase in a pregnant woman. Both vaccines carry similar side effects and they include redness, tenderness and/or swelling of the area where the injection was given. The most common side effects right after the shot include headache, muscle aches, fatigue, fever and nausea. They usually occur after the shot is received and can last 1-2 days.
As always, speak to your healthcare provider about the vaccination if you are in the high risk population for flu-related complications. There is more information available for people at high risk for H1N1 swine flu and seasonal flu complications by clicking here.
Sources:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (Oct. 2009) 2009 H1N1 Flu Update
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (Oct. 2009) H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Resources for Pregnant Women
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