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4 motnhs pregnant and work with children who are always sick. It's scarier now becaus eof the swine flu and I'm concerned. I did not get flu shot this year. Can I still get it????
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Hey there anon, thanks for writing and congrats on your pregnancy. While the swine flu outbreak is a little scary, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions says that the seasonal flu vaccine used for flu season 2008 probably won’t protect you from the latest swine flu outbreak.
“Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.”
You may want to check with your your primary care doctor on whether it is safe, desirable or accessible to get a flu shot at this time and while you're pregant.
There are some steps you can take, however to stay healthy:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
# Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
April 30, 2009 - 10:57am# Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
# Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information. (Source: Centers for Disease Control)
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