If you’re almost due, beware the flu

Written by Laura Bottom, SIU Center for Family Medicine

It’s flu season again. We know the flu can wreak havoc on our bodies, but did you know the flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women compared to woman who are not pregnant? Jennifer Bliesner, a nurse at SIU Center for Family Medicine, explains that pregnant women are more susceptible to severe illness caused by the flu due to changes in the immune system, heart Expectant Mother Holding Her Stomachand lungs during pregnancy.

“The flu could increase chances of premature labor and delivery,” explains Bliesner.  Also, a fever caused by the flu infection could lead to birth defects in an unborn child.

Pregnant women who do not get vaccinated have a higher risk of hospitalization and death. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu shot is safe for pregnant women and fetuses during any trimester. The flu shot is the best protection from serious illness or complications caused by the influenza virus.

It is important to get the flu shot early, as it takes about two weeks for the body to start making antibodies, which can be passed on to the unborn baby and continue to protect the baby for up to six months after he or she is born. This is very important because once born, babies younger than six months old are too young to receive a flu shot, leaving them vulnerable to the flu virus.  If you decide to breastfeed, antibodies could also be passed through breast milk.

In addition to the flu shot, the CDC recommends these preventative measures:

  • Avoid close contact with sick people and limit contact if you are sick.
  • If you get sick, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, unless you are in need of medical care or other necessities.
  • Use your arm or tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  • Frequently wash hands with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use a 60% alcohol based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

If you are pregnant and have symptoms of the flu, call your doctor immediately. Health care professionals can prescribe medicine to treat the flu and lessen the chance of serious illness. This medicine should be started as soon as possible.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are in need of a primary care physician, SIU Center for Family Medicine is here to provide care for your whole family. Our physicians are just a phone call away at 545-8000.