I'll be getting mine in a week. After having the flu once, I know there us no way I could take care of my kids if I caught it again. I don't know if this is still a thing, but I remember reading eith my first if you get it in the 2-6 weeks before you have the baby it can help protect for about two months after birth. Don't know if it's true, but it gave me some relief since kids can't get it until I think 6 months after birth.
My midwife said that she doesn't recommend flu shots as the vaccines are not tested with pregnant women and there is not enough evidence that it's safe. Instead our whole family is taking Vitamin D supplements to build up our immune system.
I used to get it and always got sick a few days later. Happens the same for my mom too.
You're not getting sick with the flu, though. What you feel a few days after is your immune system making antibodies to protect you from the flu. It's a sign your body is working hard.
This actually isn't totally accurate. I work in the health field and just went to an immunization seminar taught by the head of the vaccination board in Canada (not sure of her exact title) You definitely could still be getting sick with the flu as there are 100's of different strains. The flu shot is an estimated guess of the most prevalent strains for the current year and contains only a small fraction of the potential flu viruses out there. Some years it is fantastic and incredibly accurate, other years not so much.
I don't and won't be getting a flu shot. I am a healthy adult and confident I can fight it off and I am not scared of the flu killing me or my baby. Sure it could possibly take me down for a couple days but nothing rest, fluids and netflix binge watching can't fix! Save the vaccines for the kids and old people.
Yes, I will be getting one. I have for the past several years and did with both my other pregnancies. My husband did a rotation in the ICU during medical school. He saw 5 pregnant ladies in for the flu. Of those, two women died and two lost babies (it was only a month long rotation). Obviously this is a worst case scenario, but definitely a possibility. Not a risk worth taking, IMO.
I couldn't love this more and it's 100% true. I've had YOUNG, otherwise HEALTHY, pregnant patients die from the flu. And it's tragic and largely preventable with a simple vaccine. Pregnancy puts you in the "high risk" category for influenza. People need some hard science education, not unreliable "internet" research and listening to the opinions of people without science/medical backgrounds. I've never met a medical provider who didn't advocate for vaccines in people without a history of adverse reactions.
I get the flu shot every year but only since working with a high risk client base. I asked my OB about getting it this year and he said I would be crazy not to. Not because of my work but because pregnancy lowers our immune systems and the risks of contracting or spreading viruses are far greater than the risks of getting the shot.
You people are a bunch of caddy monsters! The lady asked people's opinion and all opinions aren't the same, that's why they are opinions. Stop attacking women behind a computer screen because they choose not to get the flu shot. Geez Louise! Clearly a bunch of you are just real grumpy or just bullies... Feel sorry for your unborn babies... I will also not be getting my flu shot. The line of fire is open now you crazies go nuts attacking me why I won't be getting mine. Hhahaha
You people are a bunch of caddy monsters! The lady asked people's opinion and all opinions aren't the same, that's why they are opinions. Stop attacking women behind a computer screen because they choose not to get the flu shot. Geez Louise! Clearly a bunch of you are just real grumpy or just bullies... Feel sorry for your unborn babies... I will also not be getting my flu shot. The line of fire is open now you crazies go nuts attacking me why I won't be getting mine. Hhahaha
I think it's up to all of us individually if we want to get a flu shot. We all have to do what we feel is right.
But there are some facts (yes, facts) that I think everyone should know before they decide.
-Deciding to get one or not get one when you're pregnant is totally different than when you're not pregnant. You are at higher risk now for serious illness and complications if you get the flu. Pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized during flu than non- pregnant women.
-If you get the flu while pregnant, your chances of serious problems increases including your chances of premature birth or early labour.
-Pregnant women who get the flu shot have babies who have protection against the flu after they are born for up to 6 months. Pregnant women who do not get the flu shot have babies who are more vulnerable to getting the flu.
-Having a fever (for any reason) in early pregnancy can cause birth defects. The flu raises your body's core temperature.
-Pregnant women who get the flu may need to call 911 or seek emergency medical care if they get the flu and it leads to any number of serious complications that have been known to happen.
Knowing this info, you may still decide not to get the flu shot and I respect that is totally your choice. As long as your armed with accurate info and you don't have any misconceptions then you need to do what is best for you. The flu shot is safe for pregnant women and their babies and getting it is not harmful.
For me, it's an important thing to do.
"It's always better when we're together."
-Jack Johnson
My opinion about the flu shot though @CharleneLizette is that based on irrefutable medical science it is smart for pregnant women to get one. It protects not only me but my unlucky, poor unborn child. People are free to do what they want, i suppose. It's a free country. But modern medicine suggests we do, for whatever that's worth.
Edit: being too nice. See ya and have a nice life!!!!!!!
Why are you so angry and swearing? I'm fairly certain you can find caddy in the dictionary visit urbandictionary.com look up caddy quote "When a person or group of people, usually friends, or sometimes in college sorority sisters, act very immature, don't ever escape the "high school mindset" such as getting caught up in stupid (caddy) drama" you swearing and freaking out is immature... Have a beautiful life I hope you smile today
This years flu vacc is quatravalent, meaning it includes four of the most common strains- two types of A, type B and 2009 h1n1. I personally know three who died from complications from h1n1 last year. One of them was a guy in his 20s.
After last years flu season, no way am I putting myself or my family at risk. We'll all be getting vaccinated.
mmc and d&c at 8.5 weeks - 8/23/2010 natural m/c and d&c at 10 weeks - 1/24/2014 DX w/ hetero C677t and A1298C MTHFR - 3/4/2014
I used to be pretty on the fence about flu vaccinations.
Seeing your newborn cry without making a sound because they are intubated is the most heartrending sight you could possibly imagine. It is like someone pressed the mute button.
Protecting yourself from the flu (or any illness really) is protecting your child, and those that have compromised immune systems. If looks could kill, I would be a mass murderer during cold/flu/RSV season. Those people that go out shopping coughing/sneezing and sick ought to have to sit at the bedside of an intubated newborn clinging to life for 24 hours without sleeping.
In short:
Fuck you people that think that because they can handle an illness, that it is no big deal.
My thoughts exactly! My son got rsv while waiting for a new liver, had to be intubated and it caused his transplant listing to be delayed.
Those who say "I'm healthy and can fight it off" are selfish and unaware of the bad things that happen to normal people in normal life. It's not a personal decision, it's one that affects everyone you come in contact with. So unless you live on a compound in the middle of the desert it's a far from personal choice. Ask the attending physician at your local children's hospital what they think. Or go talk to the parents of a transplant kid, whose child you got sick because you stood in front of them in line at the grocery store buying medicine for your avoidable flu symptoms. Their kid can't get the vaccine, and will end up in the hospital if they get the flu...anything that causes a fever will buy them a stay in the hospital and possibly a fight for their life. But no worries for you, you're just going to miss work for a few days.
Re: flu shot?
I've never had a flu shot before but according to my OB, she feels the benefit outweighs the rest.
I had no bad effects, no sore arm etc.
Edit: being too nice. See ya and have a nice life!!!!!!!
Edit: didn't quote, sorry but it's the one right above this for all you train-wreck enthusiasts.
After last years flu season, no way am I putting myself or my family at risk. We'll all be getting vaccinated.
natural m/c and d&c at 10 weeks - 1/24/2014
DX w/ hetero C677t and A1298C MTHFR - 3/4/2014
Those who say "I'm healthy and can fight it off" are selfish and unaware of the bad things that happen to normal people in normal life. It's not a personal decision, it's one that affects everyone you come in contact with. So unless you live on a compound in the middle of the desert it's a far from personal choice.
Ask the attending physician at your local children's hospital what they think. Or go talk to the parents of a transplant kid, whose child you got sick because you stood in front of them in line at the grocery store buying medicine for your avoidable flu symptoms. Their kid can't get the vaccine, and will end up in the hospital if they get the flu...anything that causes a fever will buy them a stay in the hospital and possibly a fight for their life. But no worries for you, you're just going to miss work for a few days.