Healthy Mama: What you NEED to know about the flu shot  healthy
mamaBy Dr. Matthew Steed, Mercy family practice doctor and
obstetrician (and father of two)  Q: I’m pregnant and don’t want
to risk getting the flu shot. Do I have to get it?  A: Yes and
here’s why. Pregnant women with influenza are more likely to
develop severe illness and die than the general population.
Recent pandemics (including 2009-2010) proved deadly for
pregnant women. In the United States, pregnant women accounted
for 5 percent of all deaths, even though they were only 1
percent of the population. It is believed changes in
cardiovascular, pulmonary and immune systems that are routine
during pregnancy might limit the body’s immune response making
it more difficult to fight the flu. If the mother is sick enough
to die, what happens to the baby? Keep reading.  Q: My mother
told me the flu vaccine is not safe during pregnancy because it
is a “live virus.” Is it safe for me and my baby? Which vaccine
should I ask for?  flu photo  Dr. Steed’s