Flu Shot and Pregnancy
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Seasonal Influenza, or flu, is the collective term for a group of common viruses that typically appear between November and December and between March and April of each year. These times are commonly referred to as “flu season.” Doctors encourage pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and breastfeeding women to get the flu vaccine. These vaccines are commonly administered at doctors' offices, clinics and pharmacies. 2011/2012 vaccines protect from several different flu strains, including the H1N1 virus. Patients will not need to get a separate shot or other type of vaccine for H1N1 (swine flu); in fact, there is no vaccine for swine flu only.[1]
The flu is an infection of the lungs and airways caused by one of the influenza viruses. Flu causes fever, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headaches, cough, runny nose, and a general feeling of fatigue. The flu virus usually spreads when a person inhales droplets that are coughed or sneezed out by an infected person, or when a person has direct contact with an infected person's nasal secretions. The flu starts with chills and then progresses to a fever. According to health professionals, an annual influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. As with all viruses, there is no cure for the flu once it has been contracted.[2]
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| Manufacturers | Merck/CSL, Sanofi, Novartis |
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| Brand names | Afluria, Fluzone, Fluvirin |
| Used for | Prevention of influenza |
| Pregnancy risk factor | Not classified, but the CDC recommends flu shots for all pregnant women |
| Side effects | Soreness at the injection site, mild fever, body aches, and fatigue for a few days after the inoculation.[3] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Flu Shots and Pregnancy
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that pregnant women and those who may become be pregnant during flu season be protected against seasonal flu with an inactivated flu vaccine. This includes the flu shot, like Fluzone, but not the spray, like FluMist, which is activated. Activated vaccines contain live virus, and may not be as safe during pregnancy.[4]
This recommendation is based upon the increased risks of the flu virus and its complications for pregnant women, the protection that flu vaccines can provide for pregnant women and their newborns, and the excellent record of safety of the licensed inactivated seasonal flu vaccines.[3]
Flu Shots and Breastfeeding
The inactivated flu vaccine or flu shot is safe for breastfeeding women and their newborns. The CDC has issued no precautions for the use of this vaccine under these circumstances. Active vaccines, however, are cautioned against for children 6 to 23 months old, and this warning extends to caregivers and close contacts, including nursing mothers.[5]
Flu Shot Side Effects
Also See: Tamiflu Side Effects, FluMist, FluMist Side Effects, Theraflu Coupons, Sudafed Coupons, Flu Shot Side Effects, Free Flu Shots
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References
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002025.htm
- ↑ http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/viral_infections/influenza.html?qt=&sc=&alt=
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/QuestionsaboutVaccines/ucm188099.htm
- ↑ http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/spotlight-050109-flu-seasonal-pregnant-women.cfm
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/vaccinations.htm
