H1N1 Swine Flu Virus, Vaccine for Pregnant Women
Flu Shots During Pregnancy and Options for Sick Nursing Mothers
Sep 29, 2009
Choosing to get vaccinated against the swine flu, or any influenza pandemic, typically leads to an outcome that will affect only one person – the one getting the flu shot. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, however, must take into consideration their unborn or newborn child as well.
Pregnant women are on the government’s priority list for receiving the swine flu vaccine. Here is some handy information that can help pregnant women and breastfeeding women make an informed decision on getting vaccinated, and what to do if they become infected with the swine flu virus.
Pregnant Women and the Swine Flu Vaccine
The U.S. government feels that pregnant women have the right to be fully informed about decisions regarding the swine flu vaccine. First of all, if a pregnant woman chooses to get the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, the government recommends getting both the swine flu shot as well as the seasonal flu shot. One vaccination does not provide immunity from both viruses.
The U.S. government lists serious complications that have arisen in pregnant women from the H1N1 swine flu virus, including upper respiratory infections. Any infections that pregnant women get can put extra stress on the unborn fetus.
When a woman becomes pregnant, her immune system goes through some changes. These changes can lead to a higher susceptibility to the H1N1 swine flu and the complications that go along with it.
The U.S. government also notes that it is hard to diagnose the swine flu in fetuses and newborns or to predict the complications that they may endure specifically.
What Pregnant Women can do if They Contract Influenza
If a pregnant woman becomes ill with flu-like symptoms, she should make an appointment with a doctor right away. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to take to help reduce a fever, and fluids should be consumed to replace lost ones. Treatment through a doctor’s care with anti-viral drugs within the first 48 hours is optimal to help reduce complications that may arise from the swine flu.
If a pregnant woman has been in contact with an infected person, she may consider contacting a doctor and seeking preventative treatment with anti-viral drugs as well.
Women Should Continue to Breastfeed When Sick With the flu
The U.S. government recommends that women who are nursing should continue to breastfeed their babies even if infected and being treated for the flu. Breastfeeding has been proven to pass on antibodies to the young infant, which then in turn fights off infection.
If sick, however, taking certain precautions is recommended. For example, a nursing mother can wear a facemask and avoiding sneezing on the young infant to help reduce infection being spread through the air. Washing hands regularly is a good defense against spreading germs as well.
The Flu and Pregnancy
Before a pregnant woman decides to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu or swine flu, she should be fully informed of the health benefits and risks involved in vaccinating. It is important, however, that if she chooses not to vaccinate, or has flu-like symptoms anyway, that an appointment be made with a healthcare physician immediately to reduce the chances of any complications to the mother and unborn child.
Sources: U.S. Government's Flu Website
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