Given the rising number of flu cases in Mumbai, city gynaecologists and members of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) have got together to create awareness and advocate the importance of influenza vaccination amongst pregnant women – a high risk group.
Given the rising number of flu cases in Mumbai, city gynaecologists and members of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) have got together to create awareness and advocate the importance of influenza vaccination amongst pregnant women – a high risk group.
Dr Parikshit Tank, chairman of FOGSI's safe motherhood committee, said that unfortunately in India, there is little or no awareness about influenza and its effect on pregnancy. "It could lead to serious complications for expectant mothers and their newborn child. Maternal immunization against influenza protects the mother, and also safeguards infants," he said.
On Wednesday, a pregnant woman aged 22 years from Nashik died at KEM Hospital in Parel. "Data shows that influenza contributes to 5% to 10% of all acute respiratory infections (ALRI), leading to an upsurge in hospitalisation and even deaths," said Dr Tank.
Doctors say that even though pregnant women fall under a high-risk group, unfortunately, they are not always advised to take this crucial vaccination, leading to complications in pregnancy. "The complications include pneumonia, ear infections, worsening of pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart and kidney problems. In many cases, influenza can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as babies with a low birth weight, premature deliveries, emergency caesarean, still births and neonatal deaths," said Dr Tank.
Talking about the appropriate time when influenza vaccine should be taken, Dr Suchitra Pandit, ex-president, FOGSI and consultant at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital said that it should be taken before the onset of seasonal flu season.
"A single shot flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent flu and provide immunity. This is why our recent FOGSI Good Clinical Practice Guidelines have included the influenza vaccination in the recommended vaccination list for pregnant women," added Dr Pandit.
Swine flu stats
A 22-year-old woman from Nashik became the latest victim of swine flu virus. The woman, who was five-months pregnant, was admitted to KEM Hospital in Parel. According to BMC health officials, she had respiratory failure. Before this, a 26-year-old Ghatkopar resident died on April 11. BMC health officials said that it was one of the few H1N1 deaths which didn't have any associated secondary illness like diabetes or hypertension. So far, since January, 46 people have died in various city hospitals because of swine flu infection, of which 18 are from Mumbai.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}