Is it OK to get flu shots during pregnancy or IVF treatment?

Get the Vaccine NOT the Flu!

With the flu season, we all have that one question running in our minds: Is it ok to get flu shots during pregnancy or IVF treatment???

We are here to put your mind at ease with respect to the question.

Influenza or the Flu is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus and should not be taken lightly. It is not your typical common cold and if it is not treated at the right time then it can create several illness and life threatening complications like Pneumonia and Bronchitis. The Flu spreads mainly by people with flu cough, sneeze and virally. These droplets can arrive in the mouths or noses of individuals who are adjacent. Less frequently, a person may likewise get influenza by touching a surface that has influenza infection on it and after that touching his own particular mouth, eyes or nose. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).

Who is at high risk?

Pregnant women in their second and third trimester are at more serious danger of extreme sickness from influenza as their resistance is normally lower than common. If a pregnant woman catches a bad strain of flu, it can lead to premature labor, and in some extreme cases, death. These risks are elevated if you have other underlying medical conditions. Influenza is particularly risky for elderly individuals and exceptionally youthful youngsters. Infants are at higher danger of more serious flu, which can form into, bring down respiratory tract diseases, for example, pneumonia. Actually, babies under 6 months of age are up to 10 times more prone to getting infected with the flu than more established kids.

Is it safe to get flu shots during your IVF treatment or pregnancy?

Seasonal influenza immunization can be offered securely to women wanting to have a child or at any phase of pregnancy. Immunizing against influenza has been appeared to benefit both mother and child as defensive antibodies are exchanged over the placenta, giving the infant security for up to half a year after birth. Therefore, Flu shots are considered safe during pregnancy because not only will the flu shot protect a pregnant woman, but will also pass some of that protection onto the baby.

Ways to prevent against Cold and Flu

• Stay far away from anyone who is sick with flu
• Take a sick day
• Wash your hands or use Sanitizer especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing nose
• Cover your mouth
• Keep your hands away from your face
• Eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep, and drink lots of water to boost your immune system

Note: It is very important to speak to your OB/GYN or IVF Specialist about the influenza vaccine and take appropriate steps to stay healthy during the cold and flu season.