Influenza (Flu) and Pregnancy
A pregnant woman who gets flu has a greater chance of serious illness for her unborn baby and herself. Some pregnant women have died from flu.
Influenza vaccination during pregnancy should be routine: safety is well established and both maternal and infant benefit is now proven.
Protect Yourself and Protect your Baby
|
Get your free flu shot. This is the best way to protect you from flu and the protection is passed on from you to your baby. * |
|
|
Take simple precautions - wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes. Encourage others to as well. |
|
|
Ask sick people to keep away until they are well. |
|
|
If you start to feel sick, call your doctor straight away. Early treatment of flu can help prevent complications. |
|
|
Treat fever straight away. Fever can harm your unborn baby. |
* The protective antibodies produced by a flu vaccine also pass to your baby which helps to protect them from influenza for up to 6 months after they’re born.
Flu Signs and Symptoms
Make sure you know the common signs and symptoms of flu:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Further Information
NSW Influenza Vaccination in Pregnancy Brochures
Protect you and your baby from influenza (flu)
Further copies of the pregnacy brochures can be ordered from the Better Health Centre at bhc@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Other NSW Health Influenza resources:
- Influenza Factsheet
- Influenza and Pregnancy videos – advice from the Chief Health Officer and other experts.
- Seasonal Influenza vaccination 2013
- Information for Antenatal Care providers
- Cough etiquette and Hand washing guides
Other resources:
- MotherSafe (Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick) – http://www.mothersafe.org.au. See the factsheets on influenza and influenza vaccination in pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance - Influenza vaccines for Australians factsheet (May 2011).
- The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th Edition). Available at http://immunise.health.gov.au.