help me convince my pregnant cousin not to get the flu vaccine

[knucklehead]

I've told her that it is a class C drug etc. etc., but she is afraid of having a high fever while pregnant if she gets the flu. How do I respond to this concern?

[bebebradford]

I think it's really up to her, and what SHE FEELS is best . I don't think you should have to convince her to NOT do it. Just share your information in a non threatening manner, and let HER do research and decide. I had a flu vaccine with my first pregnancy, and I have a very intelligent and healthy 2 year old now!

Btw, if she's had the flu shot before and not had a bad reaction she should be okay.

[kiara7]

This thread talks about flu shots and being pregnant:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=977765

BTW, not that long ago flu shots were contraindicated for pregnant women. I was pg last year the whole fall, winter and spring and was fine. May be you can tell her about immune system during pregnancy - I'm sure she is eating really well, taking vitamins, etc. Also, some years back pregnant women were considered to be the healthiest people around (which makes sense if you think about it)

Good Luck!

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by knucklehead

I've told her that it is a class C drug etc. etc., but she is afraid of having a high fever while pregnant if she gets the flu. How do I respond to this concern?

She can still get the flu; she's taking this drug based on the assumption that:

1- She cannot get the flu if she gets vaccinated (is she unaware that the vaccine is a guess as to what strains are going to be dominant in the US?)

2- That the flu is the only disease that can cause a high fever while pregnant.

[philia]

Don't get the flu shot while PG

My SIL has a friend who did this and her son is autistic. They think the flu shot she had while pg was a big contribution . If you get a fever while pg you can take tylenol. This would be a lot safer than the shot. GEEESH, why even risk it. I suppose you can only do what you can do to warn her without being offensive.
Philia

[kriket]

I agree with bebebradford. If she feels it is the best thing for her, who are you to tell her otherwise? Just make sure that she has all the info!

[hollycat]

jillions of women get the flu shot with no ill effects.
some women think they've gotten ill effects.
share your info, let it go.

[hollycat]

btw, i have never had the vaccine myself but i did get the flu during pregnancy and had a very high spikey fever that couldve been a cause of a MC i had soon after.
its really a personal call.

[Marnica]

I agree that all you can do is give her the info and let her make up her own mind. If she does opt for it, Tell her to make sure it's a mercury free version as most flu shots still contain HIGH levels of mercury. I wouldnt risk that with a fetus in a million years