Status: October 18, 2021 10:10 a.m.
People in particular need of protection should get flu vaccinations this year – this also applies to pregnant women. The professional association of gynecologists advises patients to take the spades, because there will be more flu patients again.
Last year, the flu wave was canceled due to the corona pandemic. This year, more illnesses can be expected again. Gynecologists recommend that people in particular need of protection, such as pregnant women, should be vaccinated against influenza.
With severe febrile infections, the risk of premature labor and premature birth generally increases, said Cornelia Hösemann from the professional association of gynecologists at the dpa news agency. “Real influenza during pregnancy can be life-threatening.” The professional association also speaks of possible stronger fever attacks and more severe pneumonia caused by the flu virus as well as admissions to the hospital and intensive care unit.
In her practice in Großpösna near Leipzig, she has been vaccinated against flu since the end of September, said Hösemann. In some cases, pregnant women would also receive the spades against Covid-19 if they had not received it earlier.
Immune system is no longer in training
After the corona restrictions last winter, people’s immune systems first have to be trained again. In the case of pregnant women, it is throttled anyway, as it would otherwise be directed against the unborn child. This is one of the reasons why some vaccinations should definitely be done. With a view to the 2G or 3G regulations, the doctor said that since the obligation to wear the mask would no longer apply, droplet infections would generally occur more again. Pregnant women could well consider whether they would like to wear mouth and nose protection for their own protection regardless of the applicable requirements.
Vaccinations are about the protection of mother and child, emphasized Hösemann: Antibodies are passed on via the placenta, so that the baby has what is known as nest protection even in the first six months after delivery. Breastfeeding also helps.
Vaccinations against flu and Covid-19 are usually from the second trimester of pregnancy – a pure precautionary measure, as Hösemann said. In high-risk pregnancies, for example if the pregnant woman has diabetes or is very overweight, the Piks is also possible in the first trimester.