Pregnancy: definitely vaccinate against the flu!

Christiane Fux studied journalism and psychology in Hamburg. The experienced medical editor has been writing magazine articles, news and factual texts on all conceivable health topics since 2001. In addition to her work for, Christiane Fux is also active in prose. Her first crime novel was published in 2012, and she also writes, designs and publishes her own crime plays.

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Pregnant women should definitely get a flu vaccination. Because with them, an infection is more often difficult - sometimes life-threatening. And it also endangers the child.

Pregnant women are often more ill

During pregnancy, the immune system is very less active than usual. In this way, the body prevents it from turning against the baby, which, if you look closely, is also a stranger in your own body. But this means that the immune system fights off infections more slowly and less vigorously.

In some cases, the virus and inflammation can damage the lungs so severely that even ventilation is no longer sufficient, only special intensive care measures can help. The Association of Gynecologists warns of this on the occasion of the upcoming flu season.

Risk of miscarriages and premature births

"The influenza epidemic 2017/2018 with particularly aggressive virus types showed how important it is that every pregnant woman is vaccinated against the flu," emphasizes Dr. Christian Albring, President of the Professional Association of Gynecologists and established gynecologist in Hanover. The serious illness of the mother with a high fever not only endangers the woman, it also increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. The vaccination, on the other hand, is safe for mother and child.

Protection for newborns in the first few weeks

The child also benefits from the vaccination after birth. In the first months of life, his immune system is not yet fully developed and can only react to virus infections with delay. If children are born prematurely, the flu can be particularly difficult for them. The antibodies that the mother forms after a vaccination are also passed on to the child and give him natural biological protection against influenza in the first few weeks of life.

Washing hands is not enough

Hygiene measures such as avoiding contact, frequent hand washing and disinfecting were not enough to protect yourself. For example, up to ten million germs per milliliter can be found in the air of infected people. "Only those who really have absolutely no contact with other people can feel reasonably safe from an infection," says Albring.

Get vaccinated when you visit your gynecologist

A separate family doctor visit is not necessary for the flu vaccination. This can also be done by the gynecologist in charge. The Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccination from the 13th week for healthy pregnant women. Pregnant women with heart or lung diseases or other health problems can get vaccinated early in their pregnancy.

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