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I'm not sure it this is just the media blowing this topic out of proportion, but I read on the Chicago Tribune web site (www.chicagotribune.com) yesterday that pregnant women face a high risk of death from the Swine Flu. Pregnant women are apparently being told that they really need to get vaccinated or they could risk death if they end up contracting the flu.
In Britain recently, there was an announcement made in the media that went so far as to tell couples to put off trying to conceive until after the scare of the supposed upcoming Swine Flu epidemic this fall has passed. That announcement was later rescinded, but still, all of this hype seems a little crazy to me.
What I wonder about is the safety of the vaccination for pregnant women. I mean, has it been tested at all in pregnant women or in fetuses? Is the risk of side effect greater or less than the risk of death for the pregnant woman and/or baby? I can't really find answers to these questions anywhere. What do you think? If you were pregnant, would you go ahead with the Swine Flu shot?
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PS. Here's another report from May about the CDC's recommendations for prompt treatment of swine flu in pregnant women:
Darlene
https://www.empowher.com/news/2009/05/13/pregnant-women-should-take-flu-drugs-promptly
August 3, 2009 - 3:43pmThis Comment
Hi Kristin,
Below is a link to an EmpowHer article from April 30 that addresses the issue of swine flu infections and risks to the fetus.
Basically, not a lot is known but it's clear that women who are pregnant don't need to panic. They should, however, keep their doctor posted if they show any signs of flu (or any sickness, for that matter).
Hope this helps,
Darlene
https://www.empowher.com/news/2009/04/30/mother’s-swine-flu-infection-dangerous-her-baby-womb
August 3, 2009 - 3:22pmThis Comment
Hey Kristin,
The were several articles in the New York Times yesterday about the swine flu....Title read "Ready for Swine Flu, Round 2? One story was on the ABC's of H1N1, which spoke about how to protect yourself and your family from getting the swine flu. Mind you...this article is all about the kids contracting the swine flu.
Here are some PREVENTION TIPS for you, your childrens school and your family.....
-Hand-washing and coughing or sneezing into the arm or tissue should be stressed
-Hand-sanitizing gel dispensers should be available throughout school for both staff members and students
-Parents should monitor their children for flu like symptoms such as
-fever
-cough
-sore throat
-runny or stuffy nose
-aches
-fatigue
-vomiting and diarrhea
There was nothing on vaccinating women who were pregnant. Although, there was another article called "Prepare for a Vaccine Controversy" but more on that one later...
August 3, 2009 - 3:10pmThis Comment