HHS HealthBeat (December 24, 2010)

Being pregnant and getting the flu

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness from the flu, which is something to consider now that we’re in flu season. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Gaynes:

`` Flu illness leads to hospitalizations and deaths every year in the United States, even among previously healthy people. When you’re pregnant, you’re even more at risk of getting seriously ill from the flu.’’ (11 seconds)

Dr. Gaynes says pregnant women need to get the flu shot anytime during their pregnancies and encourage family members to get one too. He also says early treatment is important for pregnant women. If you have flu-like symptoms, see your doctor.

An article on the flu and pregnant women is in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011