Scientists recommend flu shot for pregnant mothers

By : Susan Ray | Published : Thursday October 20, 2011 | Posted in : Influenza | Comments

A new study has suggested that pregnant mothers are more at risk of losing their babies if they have been infected with swine flu.

According to the research, conducted in 2009, women infected by swine flu were nearly five times more likely to lose their baby during pregnancy as well as potentially after the birth. Premature labour was also reported during this period. In the wake of that, and this new study from Oxford University, researchers are now urging pregnant women to get vaccinations.

“This new evidence of the risk to babies shows even more clearly the severe consequences H1N1 flu infection can have in pregnancy,” said lead researcher Dr Martin Knight, from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit.

The data collected from the 2009 study, and used in this research, presented increased values of child loss when compared to mothers who weren’t infected with swine flu. 7 in 1,000 babies would be at risk without infection, which increases to 39 in 1,000 if the H1N1 strain is evident in the pregnant mother.

“By getting vaccinated against flu, women can prevent these risks to both themselves and their unborn child.” Dr Knight continued. Further suggestions to avoid flu included following good hygiene, avoiding excessive travelling as well as crowded or highly populated areas, the reason being that during pregnancy a women’s immune system is substantially decreased.

UK experts have also placed further emphasis on GP surgeries being "equipped with the staff and vaccine stocks" in order to be able to assist pregnant mothers in staving off any strain of flu.

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