Health News
- First Flu Case Reported In Kentucky; Vaccination Recommended For Everyone Over 6 Months Old, Especially Some Groups
Kentucky's first positive lab-confirmed case of the flu has been reported in Jefferson County this week, according to the state Department for Public Health. The best way to protect against the flu is to receive a flu vaccine, and it's best...
- Now Is The Time To Get Flu Vaccine, State Health Officials Warn
State public health officials are encouraging Kentuckians to be vaccinated for flu now to reduce the spread of the illness. Steve Davis, M.D., acting commissioner of the Department for Public Health, said in a news release, ?Getting the flu vaccine each...
- Madisonville Hospital Earns National Award For Program That Helps Pregnant Women Maintain, Improve Oral Health
For its work in improving oral health in prenatal patients, the Center for Women's Health at Trover Health System in Madisonville has received a national award. The William J. Gies Award for Outstanding Innovation is given to individuals and organizations...
- Depression, Medication And Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and clinically depressed, you may be worried about stopping your medication. You are not alone. Julie Jacobstein, M.D., Sinai Hospital Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, says many pregnant women ask about whether they should stop...
- Maternal-fetal Specialists Help Ease Worry Of High-risk Pregnancies
Expectant mothers are filled with excitement and joy at the prospect of welcoming a new member to the family. Nurseries are prepared and baby showers are planned with the expectation that the pregnancy will go smoothly. But what should you expect if your...
Health News
Expectant mothers need to get a flu shot
Expectant mothers need to get a flu shot as soon as it is available in their area, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Only the flu shot, not the nasal-spray vaccine, is recommended for pregnant women because it is made with the inactivated (killed) virus. Pregnant women should not receive the spray vaccine, which is made with live attenuated (weakened) virus, BabyCenter, an online parenting and pregnancy resource, writes.
The changes to a pregnant woman's immune system, heart and lung function during pregnancy can make them even more sensitive to the flu, the CDC says.
Pregnant women have a harder time fighting off infections and are more likely to develop serious complications. They "are at a higher risk of hospitalization, and even death, than non-pregnant women," the CDC says. A severe illness in a pregnant mother can cause premature labor and delivery of the fetus and fever in early pregnancy can lead to birth defects.
Getting a flu shot during your pregnancy will also offer some protection to your baby up to six months after he or she is born, when the baby can be vaccinated. Breastfeeding your baby will also offer some protection from the flu. Studies show that babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often than babies who are not breastfed.
If you did not get a flu shot during pregnancy, the CDC recommends that you get one after you deliver. After the baby is born you can get the either the flu shot or the nasal spray, even if you are breastfeeding. The CDC also recommends that anyone who comes in contact with your baby get a flu shot.
The CDC says pregnant women with flu-like symptoms should contact their health care proider immediately, but should seek emergency care if they are experiencing any of the following:
The changes to a pregnant woman's immune system, heart and lung function during pregnancy can make them even more sensitive to the flu, the CDC says.
Pregnant women have a harder time fighting off infections and are more likely to develop serious complications. They "are at a higher risk of hospitalization, and even death, than non-pregnant women," the CDC says. A severe illness in a pregnant mother can cause premature labor and delivery of the fetus and fever in early pregnancy can lead to birth defects.
Getting a flu shot during your pregnancy will also offer some protection to your baby up to six months after he or she is born, when the baby can be vaccinated. Breastfeeding your baby will also offer some protection from the flu. Studies show that babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often than babies who are not breastfed.
If you did not get a flu shot during pregnancy, the CDC recommends that you get one after you deliver. After the baby is born you can get the either the flu shot or the nasal spray, even if you are breastfeeding. The CDC also recommends that anyone who comes in contact with your baby get a flu shot.
The CDC says pregnant women with flu-like symptoms should contact their health care proider immediately, but should seek emergency care if they are experiencing any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- High fever
- Decreased or no movement by your baby
- First Flu Case Reported In Kentucky; Vaccination Recommended For Everyone Over 6 Months Old, Especially Some Groups
Kentucky's first positive lab-confirmed case of the flu has been reported in Jefferson County this week, according to the state Department for Public Health. The best way to protect against the flu is to receive a flu vaccine, and it's best...
- Now Is The Time To Get Flu Vaccine, State Health Officials Warn
State public health officials are encouraging Kentuckians to be vaccinated for flu now to reduce the spread of the illness. Steve Davis, M.D., acting commissioner of the Department for Public Health, said in a news release, ?Getting the flu vaccine each...
- Madisonville Hospital Earns National Award For Program That Helps Pregnant Women Maintain, Improve Oral Health
For its work in improving oral health in prenatal patients, the Center for Women's Health at Trover Health System in Madisonville has received a national award. The William J. Gies Award for Outstanding Innovation is given to individuals and organizations...
- Depression, Medication And Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and clinically depressed, you may be worried about stopping your medication. You are not alone. Julie Jacobstein, M.D., Sinai Hospital Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, says many pregnant women ask about whether they should stop...
- Maternal-fetal Specialists Help Ease Worry Of High-risk Pregnancies
Expectant mothers are filled with excitement and joy at the prospect of welcoming a new member to the family. Nurseries are prepared and baby showers are planned with the expectation that the pregnancy will go smoothly. But what should you expect if your...