Health experts urge pregnant women to get flu shots

Washington, Sept 24 (ANI): Health experts have urged pregnant mothers get their flu shots as soon as the vaccines hit the market to protect themselves against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu.

Experts from eight organizations the March of Dimes, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, the Infectious Disease Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine claim that H1N1 virus is more dangerous for pregnant women.

"We urge every pregnant woman to discuss influenza immunization with her health care provider because the risk of serious illness during pregnancy is substantial," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.

"It is important to note that the vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials," she added.

The group also advises pregnant women to follow good hygiene habits, such as hand-washing and avoiding others who are sick, to prevent the virus from spreading

Pregnant women who develop flu-like symptoms should quickly contact their health care provider so that they can begin treatment immediately. (ANI)