If you will be pregnant during flu season, you should get a flu shot to prevent a bout of the flu. Since pregnancy compromises your immune system, the risk of getting the flu and suffering from serious complications increases. But get the shot. A pregnant woman should never use the flu mist since it contains live, weakened strains of the flu virus. Whether or not your child should get a flu shot depends on several factors, including whether he has any other high-risk factors, including asthma.
The flu shot builds up immunity to the flu virus. The earlier in the flu season you receive the shot, the better. But even if there are a couple of months of influenza activity left, a shot can still offer vital protection. Typically, the flu season runs from late September through April, with heavy periods of illness reported between November and March.
Pregnant Women - Pros of Getting the Flu Shot
A flu shot protects your health as well as your baby's health. Since pregnant women are likely to be hospitalized from influenza complications, a flu shot will reduce potential health risks. Think of the shot as an integral part of pre-natal care.
The risk from vaccine is small. You might develop a low fever, but this will not be serious enough to harm you or your baby.
On the other hand, the influenza virus poses a serious threat to your unborn child. It is possible that influenza is a cause of miscarriage or premature labor. Consider getting the vaccination as a life-saving proposition. A flu vaccine is a two-for-one deal.
The flu vaccine is safe for breastfeeding women. The new flu vaccines are thimerosal-free. Receiving a vaccine during breastfeeding may protect your newborn against the flu.
Kids - Pros of Getting the Flu Shot
Starting in 2006, the Center for Disease Control recommended yearly flu shots for children between six months and five years of age. Prior to this, the vaccine had been recommended only for children up to age two. The initial vaccine includes two flu shots given at least one month apart. After the initial vaccine, children only need one flu shot each year.
Children with high-risk factors definitely need the vaccine. Included in this category are those born prematurely, those with chronic heart or lung disorders, those with recurring diseases such as diabetes and those whose aspirin therapy regimen puts them at risk for Reye's syndrome if they contract the flu virus.
Reasons to Avoid the Needle
Any person who is allergic to eggs and egg products should not receive a flu shot. If you have received a flu vaccination and experienced a strong reaction, you should avoid receiving another flu shot. Infants under the age of six months should not be immunized.
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