With the flu season at the halfway point, it seems to be shaping up to a difficult one and doctors around the country are encouraging everyone, especially pregnant women to get the flu shot.

CNN News Flu Report

At a press conference Friday in Atlanta, CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said the season has been particularly bad for people 65 and older.

Frieden also said that five more children have died sincethe CDC last reported figures, bringing the number of pediatric deaths up to 26 since the flu season began in the fall. The deaths, however, are believed to be higher due to delays in reporting. 

Adult deaths are not tracked, but the CDC said that the elderly and people with underlying health conditions are vulnerable to this strain of the flu.

Frieden advises doctors to treat people who are sick with the flu with anti-viral medications. Anti-viral medications are dramatically under prescribed and could prevent thousands of hospitalizations and may even save people from death, he said.

But pediatrician Lisa Thebner cautions that “not everyone needs antivirals.” She said, “They are mostly recommended for those who are most at risk for complications,” meaning the very young or old.

Frieden said some doctors don’t think the medications work, but if given early, they help ease some of the symptoms of the flu.

The CDC had predicted the season would be a bad one after most of the samples taken from people with the flu tested positive for the H3N2 strain. That strain of virus is “nastier,” according to Frieden, and generally makes people sicker and results in more hospitalizations and deaths.

The CDC reports that most states are seeing widespread cases of flu. In states where the flu season started earlier, it may be slowing down, but there are still weeks of flu left. The flu season usually lasts into the spring.

With that in mind, Frieden suggests to go get a flu shot if you haven’t been vaccinated.

The flu shot this year is not a perfect match for the virus that mutated, but it is the best protection available for people and can lessen the severity of the illness.

Flu Shot And Pregnant Women

Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women (and women up to two weeks post partum) more prone to severe illness from flu as well as hospitalizations and even death.

Pregnant woman with flu also have a greater chance for serious problems for their unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery.

Flu shots will protect pregnant women, their unborn babies and even protect the baby after birth.

The Flu Shot is the Best Protection Against Flu

Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. The flu shot given during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu. (The nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.) Learn more about the flu vaccine.

The Flu Shot is Safe for Pregnant Women

Flu shots are a safe way to protect the mother and her unborn child from serious illness and complications of flu. The flu shot has been given to millions of pregnant women over many years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. It is very important for pregnant women to get the flu shot.

Other Preventive Actions

In addition to getting the flu shot, pregnant women should take additional everyday preventive actions.

Early Treatment is Important for Pregnant Women

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms call your doctor right away. If needed, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine that treats the flu.

Having a fever caused by flu infection or other infections early in pregnancy can lead to birth defects in an unborn child. Pregnant women who get a fever should treat their fever with Tylenol® (or store brand equivalent) and contact their doctor as soon as possible

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

If you have any of these signs, call 911 right away:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• High fever that is not responding to Tylenol (or store brand equivalent)
• Decreased or no movement of your baby

Stories courtesy of the CDC and CNN News