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Doctors Recommend That Pregnant Women Have To Make A Flu Shot – Part 3 of 3

Experts weren’t surprised by the results. “This study confirms what we already know, that pregnancy is a dangerous time for the flu, and H1N1 was particularly problematic for pregnant women,” said Dr Marc Siegel, an secondary professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. The flu is especially risky for pregnant women because the virus can lie through the placental barrier and infect the fetus.

This can result in fetal death or developmental problems, including mental development. “It’s crucial for pregnant women to get a flu shot. It’s noteworthy to educate women, and this study helps,” he added, noting some women may need convincing because they’ve been told to avoid certain medications during pregnancy.

Another expert, Dr Loralei Thornburg, helper professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, said the body’s response to infection changes during pregnancy. “It’s kind of an immunosuppressant. So when you get a bad virus in pregnancy, your body doesn’t have the same capability to respond. Preventing infection in pregnancy is really the key”. The bottom line: “Every woman should get the flu vaccine”.

Parts: 1 2 3