The Flu Vaccine and Pregnancy | ACOG

Antibodies: Proteins in the blood produced in reaction to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses that cause infection.

Autism: A group of developmental disorders that range from mild to severe and that result in communication problems, problems interacting with others, behavioral difficulties, and repetitive behaviors.

Complications: Diseases or conditions that occur as a result of another disease or condition. An example is pneumonia that occurs as a result of the flu. A complication also can occur as a result of a condition, such as pregnancy. An example of a pregnancy complication is preterm labor.

Immune System: The bodys natural defense system against foreign substances and invading organisms, such as bacteria that cause disease.

Influenza: An infection with the influenza virus that most commonly affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, cough, nasal congestion, and extreme fatigue. Complications can occur in severe cases, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. There are a number of different influenza virus types, including A, B, and C, and different strains, including 18 H types and 11 N types (eg, H1N1 or swine flu).

Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine: An influenza vaccine containing live viruses that have been altered to not cause disease. It is given as a nasal spray. It is not recommended for pregnant women.

Obstetrician: A physician who specializes in caring for women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.

Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs.

Preterm: Born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Thimerosal: A preservative used in some vaccines.

Virus: An agent that causes certain types of infections.

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The Flu Vaccine and Pregnancy | ACOG