Women have been encouraged to get a flu shot during pregnancy for several years, but no studies have been undertaken to prove that getting the influenza vaccination during pregnancy does protect babies after birth. Currently, only about 15% of pregnant women receive the flu vaccine.
A recent study showed the vaccine, given within a month of birth, provided protection by decreasing the chance of contracting influenza by 63 percent, and general respiratory illness by 29 percent. At the present time, the influenza vaccine is not licensed for children under the age of six months, so pregnant women who receive the vaccine during their pregnancy are protecting their babies from a serious illness for which their babies cannot be vaccinated after birth.
Influenza is a serious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It is highly contagious and is spread both by droplet infection (through coughing and sneezing) and by direct contact (being touched by someone who has the virus, or coming into contact with an object touched by an infected person).
Symptoms of influenza in infants may include the following:
Ÿ High fever and febrile seizures
Ÿ Lethargy (more tired than usual)
Ÿ Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, poor feeding
Ÿ Nasal congestion, coughing, reddened eyes
Complications of influenza in infants may include otitis media (ear infections), croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. If you think your infant is infected with the influenza virus, be sure to visit your physician or call for advice.
Related Links:
Ÿ Video: Cold and Flu: When to See a Doctor from illumistream
Ÿ Mom's flu shot in pregnancy protects newborns from MSNBC
Ÿ Effectiveness of Maternal Influenza Immunization in Mothers and Infants from NEJM
