Flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses and can result in mild to severe illness. In some cases it can even lead to death. It is often wrongly confused with the common cold, and is an underestimated disease in India. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared seasonal influenza as a serious public health problem. The number of influenza cases has been steadily increasing in India, with millions exposed to its life-threatening health complications. However, there is a severe lack of awareness about its infectious nature.
Pregnant women in particular are at high risk from the influenza virus and the resultant life-threatening complications for themselves and their babies. During pregnancy, the woman’s body goes through a number of physiological changes and this weakens the immune system, thereby increasing the potential for contracting influenza. Other complications of influenza include pneumonia, worsening of pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart and kidney problems. Influenza can also lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes for the foetus, such as a miscarriage, premature delivery, emergency caesarean, low birth weight, still births and neonatal deaths.
A single-shot vaccine is the safest and the most effective way to protect the mom and the baby from flu-related complications by transferring the maternal antibodies through the placenta. The influenza vaccine protects against the three dominant influenza viruses in circulation across the world. All pregnant women should receive influenza vaccination from 26 weeks of pregnancy or later.
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While there has been an increase in influenza vaccination among other groups at increased risk like the aged, children below five years and immuno-compromised individuals, particularly those with HIV or cancer, this trend has not been see among pregnant women.
It is very disheartening that, in India, anti-flu vaccination is adopted only as a contingency measure during outbreaks and not as a necessary preventive measure. High-risk populations in India are not being routinely and regularly vaccinated. Given this observation, FOGSI Good Clinical Practice Guidelines have included the influenza vaccination in the recommended vaccination list for pregnant women. The move was taken to help raise awareness and reduce the burden of influenza.
In India, flu cases are seen throughout the year but a major peak occurs during monsoon and a minor one in winter. So immunisation must be a necessary one and pregnant women must make sure to get the shot regardless of the surrounding health environment.
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The writer is a New Delhi-based Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.