Influenza

  • Influenza or flu is a respiratory illness similar to common cold, but caused by different viruses.
  • Influenza can worsen the existing health problems & can even cause life threatening complications.
  • There are 3 types of flu - Influenza A, B, C.
  • Hence, Flu vaccination can safeguard pregnancy & extend protection to the baby.

  • Pregnant women have 18 times higher chances of getting hospitalised due to flu compared to non pregnant women.

  • Yes, in fact flu vaccine is an effective & safe way to protect you & your baby from serious complication of the flu.

  • Flu Vaccine protects against influenza (H3N2), Influenza (H1N1) (Swine Flu) & B virus.
  • It’s effect starts after 2 weeks of vaccination.

  • Flu vaccine does double duty of protecting both you & your baby.
  • Babies can not get vaccinated for flu until they are 6 months old.
  • The protective antibodies made in your body after getting vaccinated are transferred to the baby which protects it against the flu for upto 6 months of age.

  • Flu vaccine is given as a single shot only.
  • The influenza vaccine can be given at any time during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to get the flu shot as soon as possible

  • Yes flu vaccine can be given to women who are breastfeeding. A women who breast feeds passes antibodies through her breast milk which also reduces the chances of getting flu to the baby.

  • If you have any allergies.
  • If you ever had guillain - Barr’s syndrome (Also called GBS)