Pregnancy is a crucial phase that brings many changes to the mother's body. In addition to the visible physical changes, there are significant adjustments to the immune system. While these changes are essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, they also make pregnant women more susceptible to infections, including the flu caused by the influenza virus.
Flu in pregnancy should not be considered a minor ailment. This condition can impact both the mother's health and the fetus' development if not properly managed and prevented. Therefore, understanding influenza and its protective measures is a crucial part of prenatal care.
What is the Influenza Virus and Its Impact on Pregnancy?
The influenza virus is a virus that attacks the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It is easily transmitted through droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as through close contact with an infected person.
Influenza generally causes symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In pregnant women, these symptoms can be more severe and last longer. This is related to the immune system adapting during pregnancy.
Untreated influenza infections can lead to severe fatigue, respiratory problems, and even conditions requiring further medical treatment. Therefore, prevention is a much safer option than waiting for the flu to strike.
Why Are Pregnant Women More Susceptible to the Flu?
During pregnancy, the mother's immune system works differently. The body needs to adjust to prevent rejection of the fetus, so the immune response is not as strong as it was before pregnancy. As a result, pregnant women are more susceptible to viral infections, including the influenza virus.
Besides immune system changes, other factors also play a role, such as hormonal and respiratory changes. Lung capacity and oxygen requirements increase during pregnancy, so when a respiratory infection occurs, flu symptoms can be more severe.
This is why additional protection is crucial. One form of protection recommended during pregnancy is the influenza vaccine.
The Role of Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy
The influenza vaccine helps the mother's body develop antibodies against the flu virus. These antibodies serve as a first line of defense when the body is exposed to the virus, preventing infection or making symptoms less severe.
Giving influenza vaccine to pregnant women is not only intended to protect the mother, but also provides indirect protection to the fetus. Antibodies formed in the mother's body can be passed on to the baby during pregnancy.
With this protection, the risk of severe flu during pregnancy can be reduced, while also helping to keep the mother's condition stable until delivery.
Is the Influenza Vaccine Safe for Pregnant Women?
The influenza vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy. It does not contain live viruses, so it cannot cause flu infection in the mother or fetus.
Possible side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as pain at the injection site, soreness, or mild fatigue. These symptoms usually resolve on their own without requiring special treatment.
Influenza vaccination is a recommended preventive measure to help reduce the risk of health problems caused by flu during pregnancy.
Benefits of the Influenza Vaccine for Pregnant Women
The influenza vaccine offers significant benefits for both mother and baby during pregnancy. Here are some key benefits you should know.
1. Reduces the Risk of Severe Flu in Mothers
The vaccine helps the mother's body recognize the influenza virus more quickly. If the mother is exposed to the flu, the symptoms tend to be milder and less long-lasting.
2. Reduces the Risk of Complications During Pregnancy
Flu, accompanied by high fever and severe fatigue, can affect the mother's condition. With influenza vaccine protection, the risk of complications that could potentially affect the pregnancy can be reduced.
3. Provides Protection for Babies from Birth
Antibodies developed in the mother's body during pregnancy are passed on to the baby. This protection is important because babies cannot receive the flu vaccine early in life.
4. Reduces the Need for Medical Care Due to Flu
With good protection, the chances of pregnant women experiencing severe flu that requires medical treatment can be reduced.
Influenza Vaccine Administration Time
The influenza vaccine can be administered during pregnancy as recommended by a healthcare professional. Vaccination is part of a preventative measure to ensure the mother's health and a more comfortable pregnancy.
In addition to vaccination, pregnant women are still advised to maintain personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with people who have the flu, and maintain a healthy rest and nutritional intake.
Conclusion
Pregnant women are more susceptible to flu due to changes in the immune system during pregnancy. Influenza infections during this period can be more severe and affect the mother's comfort and health.
The influenza vaccine is a recommended protective measure because it helps the mother's body develop defenses against the flu virus. This protection not only benefits the mother but also provides early protection for the baby from birth.
This article was written by Dr. Lisa Puspadewi Susanto, Sp.OG, FICS (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).