Why I’m Getting the H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccines
Oct 27, 2009
By Danielle Romaguera
I am pregnant with my fourth child due in December. I must say that, while I am excited for this new addition to our family, I am also nervous about the H1N1 scare and its potential impact on my baby’s health as well as my own.
As you have probably heard in the news or read online, pregnant women are a greater risk for contracting H1N1. We are the group most threatened by the illness. Why? I have done some research and here is what I have found:
- Our bodies change during pregnancy. We have a harder time fighting off illness as our immune system is working overtime to protect the fetus.
- As the uterus grows and pushes the diaphragm up, it is harder for us to clear our lungs.
- Many of us are also in the younger age group most susceptible to catching the virus.
The news has been reporting on some accounts of pregnant women being affected by H1N1. In some cases, the mother dies but they are able to save the child. I was greatly saddened to hear about this case featured on NBC Nightly News.
It is extremely hard for me to watch these sad accounts but they should serve as a reminder to all of us to vaccinate ourselves against both H1N1 and the seasonal flu. Talk to your doctor about getting the vaccines if you have not already.
I found the CDC’s site to be really helpful as guidance for pregnant women. We need to protect ourselves and our babies.
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