It’s mid-winter and we are smack in the middle of this year’s flu season. Over the last month, national key flu indicators are elevated and about half of the country is experiencing high flu activity. If you are trying to get pregnant, you are probably concerned about coming down with the dreaded flu bug…
PREVENTION
The following is a list of tried-and-true ways to help you avoid the flu:
- Whenever possible, stay away from those who are sick. (That, of course, is easier said than done.)
- Hand sanitizers really do work. Use sanitizer liberally throughout your day – especially after coming in contact with doorknobs, faucets, counters, railings and other places that may carry germs left by others.
- Thoroughly wash your hands before eating, after touching others, and avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes whenever possible. It takes at least 20 seconds of washing to get rid of all the germs.
- After washing your hands in a public restroom, use a Kleenex or paper towel to turn off the faucet or to touch a door handle.
- Use your dishwasher or soapy, hot water when cleaning dishes. Don’t share utensils, glassware, and dishes.
- If someone touches your food or glass (for example – in a restaurant), ask for a new serving or new glass and beverage.
- Do not share your toothbrush or use one belonging to someone else.
- Whenever possible, do not sit next to someone who is sick. In a restaurant, do not hesitate to request a different seat.
- Make sure that family members living with you get a flu shot as well. In fact, you might even ask those who are in close contact with you every day to consider getting a flu shot for your protection and the protection of your unborn child.
VACCINATION
Consider getting a flu vaccination if you are trying to conceive. If you are receiving infertility treatments, or just getting ready to start infertility treatment, having to delay the process will be disappointing if you are under the weather with the flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) support the call for all women who are pregnant, or considering pregnancy, to get the current season’s influenza vaccine. Research studies have shown there is an increased risk of complications for both those who are pregnant, and their unborn babies, when they have not had their annual flu shot.
APPROXIMATELY 50% OF PREGNANT WOMEN
IN THE U.S. GET A FLU SHOT EACH YEAR
That means that too many soon-to-be moms and babies have an escalated risk of severe illness or complications that may impact the pregnancy and the baby. Each of the organizations listed above, however, caution pregnant and “conceiving” women to not to take the nasal spray vaccine. That vaccine type contains a weakened “live” form of the virus and there is always a chance of catching the flu from an attenuated vaccine.
FLU SHOT VS. NASAL SPRAY
Be sure to ask for the shot form of the vaccine as it is made from “killed” virus. While some women are concerned about getting a flu shot when they are pregnant or trying to conceive, it is important to keep in mind that potential flu side effects are dangerous for a pregnant woman and they pose more of a health risk than the actual flu vaccination. During pregnancy, and right after the baby is born, there are many changes in the body’s immune system as well as with the heart and lungs, making a woman more susceptible to critical flu-related illness. In addition, when a pregnant woman gets the flu, there is an increased chance that the baby may develop serious health issues. Other equally serious problems may occur, including premature labor/delivery.
The bottom line is this: the medical community advocates protecting yourself against the flu. Follow the guidelines listed above, get your vaccine, and stay healthy. If you are currently pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, talk to your OB/GYN and make arrangements to get your flu shot as soon as possible. If you are currently going through infertility treatments, have a conversation with your reproductive specialist if you are concerned at all about getting the vaccine.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant and live in the southeast Texas area, make an appointment with one of the reproductive specialists at the Center of Reproductive Medicine. The staff at CORM is dedicated to providing a positive experience for all patients; their team of professionals is committed to finding the cause of infertility and providing the best fertility treatment approach for each individual case.