ages & stages health
ASK A PEDIATRICIAN:
How to stay safe this FLU SEASON
What can pregnant moms do to stay safe this flu season? Are there
pregnant mom’s risk of being hospitalized with the flu by
complications if the flu is contracted during pregnancy?
about 40%.
• Staying healthy while pregnant includes universal masking
• The flu shot also helps to protect your baby after birth and
indoors, avoiding people who are sick, good hand hygiene
through the first several months when the baby is too young
and making sure you’re up to date on your vaccines. Special
to get the flu vaccine.
vaccines to remember include your annual flu shot, pertussis
• During pregnancy and immediately after birth, your
booster and the COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines are
immune system, heart and lung functions change. These
safe and can help to keep a pregnant mom safe during flu
changes are normal but it means that these mom’s can
season.
get severely ill (really sick) from the flu. Pregnant and
• During previous flu seasons, the flu vaccine helps to
postpartum moms (2 weeks after delivery) are at higher risk
decrease a pregnant mom’s risk of respiratory infection by
for being hospitalized from a flu infection. We know the
about one-half. It has the additional benefit of reducing a
flu shot helps to keep people healthy.
10 October 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com
