Pregnant? Get ready to fight flu!
The call comes as recent statistics highlight flu as the cause of death for one in every 11 women who died during, or shortly after, pregnancy. Pregnant women who contract flu are five times more likely to have a stillborn baby, or have the baby to die in the first week after birth.
Women can have the vaccination at their GP practice at any stage of pregnancy. It will protect the mum for around a year and help to protect the baby for up to three months after birth.
Director of the Royal College of Midwives Scotland, Gillian Smith said: “Flu is a really serious illness: it’s not just a bad cold and can have a serious impact on those expecting a baby. If you’ve been pregnant before, remember that a healthy and flu-free pregnancy last time is no guarantee that you won’t catch flu this time. The flu vaccine is free, safe to have at any time during pregnancy and only takes a few minutes.”
Flu is very infectious and can be serious, and it’s best to get vaccinated before the cold temperatures hit. The vaccine provides the best defence and is being offered to people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children aged 2 – 11 and those aged 65 and over.
More information can be found online or call NHS Inform on 0800 22 44 88.