We are right smack dab in the middle of flu season right now, and this year, many states have been hit hard. If you are currently pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, you may have a lot of questions about the flu vaccine and pregnancy. Today, we are going to try to answer those questions for you and give you some good tips and advice to avoid the flu while pregnant. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here
According to the CDC, not only is it safe to get a flu shot while you are pregnant, but it could potentially save your baby’s life. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and many other health organizations recommend flu shots for all pregnant women.
This is because the flu is often more serious for pregnant women than their non pregnant counterparts, and it can cause complications with pregnancy. One of the greatest concerns for pregnant women is the risk of pneumonia, and one of the biggest risks to unborn babies is preterm labor and delivery.
However, there are many others who advise against any unessential vaccines or medications while pregnant, as these medications will cross the placenta to your baby.
Pregnant women have a choice of getting either the traditional flu vaccine or the nasal spray form of the vaccine, whichever they prefer, or whichever your doctor recommends. Both types are proven safe for both mother and baby. If you are breastfeeding, it is also safe to get a flu vaccine.
Getting a flu vaccine is actually a great way to protect young babies (under six months) from getting the flu, since they are too young to get the actual vaccine. If you have a new baby in the house, it is important to also make sure other family members that are around your baby often get a flu shot as well, so your baby won’t be exposed to the flu.
It is important to get the flu shot every single year, since each strain is different, and each flu vaccine is developed to protect against a different strain. You should get the flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Most women try to get the flu shot in September or October, so they will be protected throughout the whole flu season.
It does take two weeks for the flu shot to take effect and start protecting you, so keep that in mind. Pregnant women are considered “high risk” when it comes to the flu, so they get priority when getting a vaccine. That should help for you to be able to get the vaccine faster.
Normally there are only a few minor side effects associated with the flu vaccine. Some of the most commonly reported side effects are things like pain and swelling at the injection site, headaches, muscle aches, fever, or fatigue. Most of these symptoms only last a few hours, and they are almost always all gone within a day.
However, if you have severe allergies, including an egg allergy, make sure to let your health care provider know before getting the vaccine. Some severe allergies can cause life threatening interactions, so make sure to let your doctor know beforehand.
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