Flu Vaccine and Pregnancy

Introduction:

Influenza affects the respiratory system. The influenza virus causes the flu. The nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs are affected. The alternations in the immune system, heart, and lungs during gestation are the reason for severe illness from influenza. The common cold and the flu can cause similar symptoms like runny nose and cough. The cold symptoms are generally mild, and the influenza symptoms are very severe and progress to severe complications. The best diagnostic test to differentiate a typical cold from flu or COVID-19 is to get tested. The different viruses cause these infections. The flu spreads from person to person by coughing, sneezing or talking, and touching the contaminated surface.

What Are the Causes of Influenza?

• The influenza virus is divided into three sub-categories.

• They are influenza A, influenza B, and influenza C.

• Influenza A and B are severe and cause serious complications. They are seasonal and occur in winter.

• Influenza C will not cause adverse complications, and it is not seasonal.

• The swine flu and bird flu are subdivisions of influenza A.

Why Should Pregnant Women Take the Flu Vaccine?

The reasons for pregnant women taking the flu vaccine are as follows:

• Due to alterations in gestation, pregnant women are more prone to influenza, and this may lead to hospitalization.

• Common influenza can develop severe complications in the developing fetus, such as neural tube defects and other adverse effects.

• The vaccination also shields the fetus from developing influenza after birth because antibodies are passed to the fetus during gestation.

Is the Flu Vaccination Safe for Pregnant Women?

• The flu vaccination is safe for pregnant women.

• It is safe to get a flu shot at any stage of gestation from the first few weeks up to the expected due date.

What Are the Advantages of Flu Vaccination in Pregnant Women?

• The vaccine generates a robust immune response in pregnant women similar to non-pregnant healthy adults.

• Adequate protection against many virus strains.

• Prevents the severe complications of influenza.

• Reduces the need for hospitalization in severe cases.

• The vaccination reduces pregnancy risks due to influenza.

• The vaccination protects from preterm birth (before the full term), decreased birth weight of the baby, and small gestational age (fetus is smaller or less developed than usual).

• The transfer of antibodies to the fetus through the placenta (a vital organ that acts as a barrier to the transport of nutrients and gases for the fetus's growth).

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccination?

• Pregnant women are the highest priority group, and vaccination can be done in any trimester.

• Healthcare workers.

• Children from the age group six months to five years.

• The older age group.

• Those with high-risk conditions.

• The high-risk conditions are asthma and chronic lung disease.

• History of brain stroke.

• Prior history of kidney, liver, and neurological disease.

• History of heart or blood vessel disease.

• Diabetic patients.

• The reduced immune system function due to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), cancer, and the intake of immunosuppression drugs.

• Blood disorders like sickle cell anemia (affects the shape of red blood cells).

• Obese people.

What Are the Signs of Influenza Disease?

• High-grade fever.

• Chills due to fever.

• Severe body pain.

• Cough.

• Severe headache.

• Sore throat.

• Runny or stuffy nose.

• Tiredness.

• Diarrhea and vomiting in children.

What Vaccination Dose Is Administered to Pregnant Women?

• The influenza-inactivated vaccine is one in which the virus particles are grown in culture and then killed to decrease the decease producing capability. These are administered to pregnant women. Pregnant women in the second and third trimesters are at increased risk of hospitalization from influenza. When the winter season begins, that is the time for the maximum spread of the influenza virus. So, before the season starts, pregnant women must be vaccinated. Vaccinating those at higher risk is recommended to prevent the adverse effects.

• Influenza live attenuated vaccine is a live virus that is weakened so that it does not cause disease, and antibodies are developed against this. Do not administer the live attenuated vaccine to pregnant women.

• Influenza vaccination is essential before conception, after delivery, and at gestation, because they are at increased risk.

• It is recommended that all gynecologists get their flu vaccination and provide vaccination to their pregnant patients.

How to Prevent Influenza in Pregnant Women?

• The best and essential method to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated yearly.

• The vaccination stabilizes the immune system and prevents severe complications.

• The strains of the virus change every year, so there is a need to get vaccinated every year.

• The flu vaccine is given in the form of a flu injection or a mist that they spray into the nose.

• Other ways are by maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene.

• Regular hand washing with soap and water is advised.

• Recommended use of alcohol-based sanitizer.

• Use a napkin to close the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.

• Avoid mass gatherings and prefer to stay indoors when sick.

• There is a need to use a mask when sick.

• Keep dirty hands away from the face, nose, eyes, and mouth.

• Avoid sharing used spoons and cups with others.

What Are the Complications of Influenza?

Influenza causes complications like:

• Ear infections.

• Sinus infections.

• Severe infection of the lungs.

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome in newborns due to immature lungs.

• Loss of pregnancy.

• Neural tube defects in the developing embryo.

Can a Flu Vaccine Cause Miscarriage in Pregnant Women?

The vaccine is safe, and the influenza-inactivated vaccine is administered in pregnant women and does not cause any miscarriage or abortions.

What Are the Side Effects Due to Influenza Vaccine in Pregnant Women?

• Redness and swelling where the vaccine is administered.

• Headache.

• Fever.

• Body pains.

• Nausea.

• Fatigue.

These side effects last for one to two days, and they subside.

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

• Severe allergic persons should not get vaccinated.

• For the prior dose of influenza vaccine, if they have a severe allergic reaction, they should not be vaccinated again.

• Live attenuated vaccine must not be used during gestation.

• Individuals with a history of egg allergy who have experienced only hives after exposure to eggs can receive any licensed and recommended influenza vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status.

Conclusion:

The flu vaccine is crucial during pregnancy and must be administered to prevent serious complications. For the well-being of the mother and child, vaccination is essential. Flu vaccination can be administered at any point of gestation. Hence pregnant women must be motivated to get vaccinated.