Pregnancy and Flu Update

September 24, 2009 by Colin
Filed under: pregnancy and flu

Pregnancy and Flu Update

Doctors and physicians are facing a huge problem in convincing pregnant women to agree to have the H1N1 swine flu jab when it becomes available in October this year. Due to the frequent media publicity, pregnant women have latched on the fact that the vaccine will be largely untried and are worried about its effects to the unborn child.

At a recent poll nearly thirty percent of pregnant women surveyed stated that they were likely to refuse the vaccination when it becomes available in October. They are more concerned about the swine flu vaccine than they are about the vaccine itself. Nearly half of those polled with children under five said that they would not have them vaccinated.

The drug manufacturers are under tremendous pressure to produce millions of doses in the shortest time possible, and they agree that the vaccine will only be marginally tested for its efficacy, but have assured the doubters that it will be safe with few after effects.

Normally, pregnant women have always been advised to try and avoid all medications as much as possible including those readily available as over the counter herbal remedies. However, they are being made aware of the fact that their immune system is not as efficient during pregnancy, making them more vulnerable to illness and infection and recommend avoiding close contact with those with flu-like symptoms whenever possible, and to take other precautions such as regular hand washing, a good diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, which contain vitamin C, and to drink plenty of pure water.

So, what could be the reported side effects of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine? They should be not dissimilar to those expected from the seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects following vaccination are expected to be mild, for example, soreness, tenderness and redness or swelling in the area where the jab was given.

Later, some people might experience headache, muscle aches, fever, some nausea and light-headedness. Like any medication, vaccines can cause serious problems and allergic reactions, particularly if patients who have shown reactions to egg products.

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