Helping science through research

If you are pregnant and received a flu shot in 2009 or 2010, OTIS Pregnancy is interested in hearing from you if you would like to participate in an observational study.  This is not any kind of experiment.  They just ask questions relating to your experience.  More information can be found here.  Call toll-free Call: 1-877-311-8972.

Cold Season Ahead!

Did you know that your immune system is suppressed in pregnancy? This is nature's way of keeping you from rejecting the baby as a foreign substance (genes donated by the father). Sometimes miscarriage does occur when the body's immune system works too well (think allergy or hypersensitivity) but in most cases the body does a good job of keeping the baby. The downside to this suppression is that you may also be more vulnerable to colds and other viruses.

You can strengthen your immune system's infection-fighting ability by eating a balanced diet, getting moderate, regular exercise and enough rest, along with using good hygiene techniques such as frequent hand washing, use of disposable tissues and keeping your hands away from your face (entry for germs). Maintaining a positive outlook has also been shown to help fight illness whereas quarrels suppress the immune system further so try to work out your differences in positive ways. And don't forget to laugh! Life is serious but it can also be funny, depending on our outlook. Watch a feel-good comedy video/DVD for a good belly-laugh. Doctor's orders!

A balanced diet for immune protection includes lots of fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin c and antioxidants. You should also drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated and avoid additional stress to your body. If you do get a cold or other illness, the healthy food and water still help so don't forget the chicken soup. Hot liquids help move viruses and germs out of the nose more quickly.

The CDC also recommends a seasonal flu shot for all pregnant women (unless you are allergic to eggs). Again, because of the suppression of the immune system in pregnancy, flu and its complications can be devastating to a pregnant woman, putting her and her baby at risk. The Flu Finder page at the Utah Dept. of Health can help you locate flu vaccine, though it will also depend on the stock available so once you locate a provider, call ahead to be sure they have the vaccine. Many pharmacies offer this service.

Also, remember that antibiotics should only be prescribed when there is a diagnosed bacterial infection. Taking them for viral infections, the common cold, flu, etc. can result in damaged intestinal flora that can result in other serious infections as well as contributing to the antibiotic resistant strains of antibiotics through improper use. If you do need such medications, be sure to take them exactly as prescribed and complete the course - again to prevent future problems with these antibiotics. More and more we are seeing resistant strains that put us in a precarious position for treating some serious infections so it is important that everyone be aware of this danger and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.

Check out this blog for some healthy eating suggestions including "cold-season smoothies." Witchy Kitchen. For more information about boosting your immune system in pregnancy, check out pregnancy.org. Before taking supplements, be sure to consult with your health care provider.

Flu Vaccine

Dr. Andrew Kroger from CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases gives the following guidelines for flu vaccination this year.

While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it's especially important that certain groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk of developing flu-related complications. They are:

• Pregnant women;
• Children younger than 5, and especially children younger than 2 years;
• People 50 years of age and older;
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes;
• People with immunosuppression, whether due to illness or medications;
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; and
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
  1. Healthcare workers
  2. Household contacts of people at high risk for complications from the flu
  3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (no vaccine is approved for children younger than 6 months, as these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Since the seasonal vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus, 2 different flu vaccines will not be necessary this season.
On July 29, 2010, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued recommendations for everyone 6 months of age and older who do not have any contraindications to vaccination, to receive a flu vaccine each year, beginning this flu season. ACIP recommends that children 6 months through 8 years of age receive 2 doses of the 2010-2011 flu vaccine with a minimal interval of 4 weeks unless they have received:

• At least 1 dose of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine last season; and
• At least 1 dose of seasonal flu vaccine prior to the 2009-2010 flu season or 2 doses of 2009-2010 seasonal flu vaccine.

If a child has fulfilled both of these requirements, they only need 1 flu vaccine. The March of Dimes also advises for the flu shot.