by zippetydude » Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:34 pm
Hi Perry. Not much science in this reply, but anecdotal evidence is sometimes worth consideration. As the baby is still in utero, I believe it will be quite safe from any effects of the flu shot. In the injected form, the viruses are actually dead, and the body simply mounts an immune response based upon the protein formations on the surface of the viruses. Even slight mutations will still have largely recognizable formations that the body will then quickly and efficiently recognize and destroy. I'd be a little more cautious about the nasal form, which contains attenuated virus that are still alive. You don't want to risk an accidental case of the flu. It's fairly rare, but it does happen.
As far as efficacy, the way I look at it is this. About 10 years ago, I was sitting on the couch reading a book when my wife Ivette came in the room. She said something to me, and her voice sounded like Darth Vader. I told her so, and she came over and felt my forehead. She said I definitely had a fever, so we took my temperature. It was 104.7. After a luke warm shower and ibuprofen I eventually got it down to 102, but it went up and down over the next 5 days into the 103 range.
Now, that was the effect on a healthy adult who was (obviously) not pregnant. I don't know what that kind of sudden spike in fever might have done to an unborn child, but it sounds scary. If the risk is close to zero one way and scary the other way, I'd just take the safe route. This is supposed to be a particularly virulent strain this year, or at least that's what they're saying in the news.
Anyway, I don't sell flu shots, so I hope that doesn't sound like a commercial for RiteAid, but I thought I'd respond. BTW, other immunizations for the baby after he/she is born are much more suspect, and I don't blame you if you are very cautious about those.
Take care of yourself, the wifey, and the critter on the way! I hope to see some pics posted soon of the happy family with 3 smiling faces!
z