Pregnant women are at greater risk from influenza complications

July 4, 8:20 PMBaltimore Disease Prevention ExaminerRene Najera

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At least get the worry of influenza off your back.
Get vaccinated. Image Credit

In some medical circles, pregnancy is regarded as a "condition", one that places the pregnant woman at risk for contracting diseases and developing other conditions that could endanger the pregnant woman and the unborn baby in danger. This is because the woman's immune system is modified during the pregnancy so that the developing fetus is not rejected for being a "foreign" tissue within the body. It is also this reason that makes some vaccines are not given to women during their pregnancy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from May 12, posted three case studies of pregnant women and their experiences with H1N1-swine influenza infection. While not representative of the general population, or the pregnant population in the United States, these case studies help put a face on influenza infection and what it is capable of doing. The overall case study looked at 20 pregnant women, 15 of whom were confirmed as having H1N1-swine influenza infection while the other 5 were probable cases (symptoms but no lab confirmation).

Pregnant women are at greater risk of complications if they become infected with influenza. These complications include spontaneous abortion, fetal defects, pre-term labor, and other complications. So vaccination for influenza is recommended for women who plan to be pregnant during the flu season or already pregnant. This recommendation only covers the traditional flu shot and not the nasal vaccine. The nasal vaccine contains a live virus that is not recommended for people with weakened or compromised immune systems, like pregnant women.

Despite these recommendations, a very low percentage of pregnant women get vaccinated according to a national survey of obstetricians/gynecologists. That survey revealed that very few OB/GYN practitioners recommended the vaccine. More did not recomment the vaccine for a variety of reasons, including misinformation about vaccination and pregnancy. So ask your provider how much he or she knows about the vaccines available to you if you are pregnant or are planning on being pregnant.

If you are pregnant now, while there is no vaccine for H1N1-swine influenza yet, there are plenty of steps you can take to prevent becoming infected. Just like everyone else, you must wash your hands, stay away from crowds and sick people (if you can), eat a balanced diet, and get plenty of rest. Above all, get prenatal care and follow the directions of your healthcare provider. Your provider will be the best source of information on how to keep yourself and your unborn child healthy.

Whether you plan on being pregnant or not, get your seasonal flu vaccine come September/October. The American Lung Association has a great tool that you can use to track down influenza vaccine clinics near you, some are even free. Worried about thimerosal (a vaccine preservative containing mercury) and how it might affect your baby? Don't. A study of over 2000 women who received the thimerosal-containing vaccine found no adverse effects to the baby. Still worried? There is plenty of vaccine without thimerosal, though it's a little more expensive than the regular vaccine. Ask your provider.