Does influenza affect pregnancy?

Does influenza affect pregnancy?

Changes to the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make people more susceptible to influenza severe enough to cause hospitalization throughout pregnancy and up to two weeks postpartum. Influenza also may be harmful for the developing baby.

Does influenza B cross the placenta?

Human decidua seems to provide a more favorable environment for viral replication than placental tissues. These studies suggest that the influenza virus is capable of spreading from the maternal blood stream to the maternal decidua in order to replicate within the tissue and then infect the fetal chorion and amnion.

At what point during pregnancy is it recommended to administer the influenza?

The inactivated influenza vaccine can be given to all pregnant women during any trimester 5. Because influenza vaccines are recommended annually for all adults, pregnant women should be vaccinated even if they received an influenza vaccine during a previous pregnancy.

Does the flu damage the placenta?

Flu-induced vascular storm “We found a dramatic difference in these inflamed blood vessels, which can seriously affect how much blood makes it to the placenta and all the organs that help support the growing baby,” Selemidis said.

Can having a virus while pregnant hurt the baby?

Maternal Cold or Flu with Fever During Pregnancy May Be Linked to Birth Defects. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that women who had a cold or flu with fever just before or during early pregnancy may be more likely to have a baby born with a birth defect.

Is influenza vaccine necessary in pregnancy?

Pregnant women should receive a seasonal flu shot. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from influenza. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by about one-half.

Can the flu cause stillbirth?

Influenza can also be dangerous for your unborn baby. In early pregnancy, the illness can cause miscarriage while in later pregnancy, it may lead to stillbirth (the baby dying inside the uterus). The flu can also cause you to give birth earlier than expected (premature labour and birth).

Can the flu cause miscarriage?

Studies have found having the flu during pregnancy can increase your chances of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Does Covid cross the placenta?

Does SARS-CoV-2 cross the placenta? There is no definite evidence that SARS-CoV-2 crosses the placenta and infects the fetus; however, a few cases of placental tissue or membranes positive for SARS-CoV-2 and a few cases of possible in utero infection have been reported.

Are pregnant women more likely to be hospitalized with flu?

Pregnant women are also more likely to be hospitalized with flu than women of reproductive age who are not pregnant. CDC has received reports of flu hospitalizations and deaths in pregnant women with influenza virus infection. It is important that we stay vigilant in protecting pregnant and postpartum women from flu.

What are the symptoms of the flu during pregnancy?

Early treatment of flu in hospitalized pregnant women has been shown to reduce the length of the hospital stay. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is most common in young children.

Which conditions are at increased risk for complications of influenza?

** Conditions associated with increased risk for serious medical complication from influenza, including chronic asthma, a lung condition other than asthma, a heart condition, diabetes, a kidney condition, a liver condition, obesity, or a weakened immune system caused by a chronic illness or by medications taken for a chronic illness.

  • August 16, 2022