07 Feb Adverse Outcomes More Likely in Infants Born to Mothers Who Get the Flu

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Kim Newsome

Kim Newsome, MPH
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
CDC 

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: This study supports data from previous studies that have shown increased risks for infants born to pregnant women who are severely ill with flu.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: Our study found that severely ill women with 2009 H1N1 influenza during pregnancy were more likely to have adverse birth outcomes (such as their baby being born preterm or of low birth weight) than women without influenza. 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report? Can pregnant women get the flu shot any time during their pregnancy?

 Response: The first and most important step for pregnant women and those who might be considering pregnancy to reduce their health risks and risks to their infants is  getting a flu shot. In addition, getting prompt treatment with antiviral medications if they get sick is important.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Future research that explores trimester of influenza infection and infant outcomes would be beneficial to this field of study.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/vaccinations.htm) for everyone 6 months and older.

I have no disclosures to note – and I appreciate the chance to respond to questions.

Citation:

Outcomes of infants born to women with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09

Kim Newsome C. J. Alverson Jennifer Williams Anne F. McIntyreAnne D. Fine, Cathy Wasserman, Kathryn H. Lofy, Meileen Acosta, Janice K. Louie, Kathleen Jones‐Vessey, Valoree Stanfield, Alice Yeung, Sonja A. Rasmussen

First published: 09 January 2019 

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Last Updated on February 7, 2019 by Marie Benz MD FAAD