In article <[log in to unmask]>, Katie Law <katie@utu-
mno.demon.co.uk> writes
>In the process of creating a "flu-special" newsletter for patients, I
>came across the recommendation that women who would be in the second or
>third trimesters during the flu season should be vaccinated.
>
>Is this so?
Extracted from the Mining Co.
Case reports and limited stuies suggest that pregnancy may increase the
risk for serious medical complications of influenza as a result of
increases in heart rate, stroke volume and oxygen consumption; decreases
in lung capacity and changes in immunological function.
Researchers estimated that an average of 1-2 hospitalisations among
pregnant women could be prevented for every 1000 pregnant women
vaccinated.
Other data suggests influenza infection may cause increased morbidity
among women during the second and third trimesters.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization practices (ACIP) recommends that
women who will be beyond the first trimester during the flu season be
vaccinated. Pregnant women who have a medical condition that increase
their risk for complications from influenza should be vaccinated before
the season regardless of stage of pregnancy.
Studies of flu vac in more than 2000 pregnant women show no adverse
foetal effects.
Sorry , no references.
--
Katie
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