Flu jab

[Bellsx]

I have my flu jab booked for 12.10 today but really worrying now whether I should still go due to self isolating and what if I get symptoms from having it, what would you do?

Are you self isolating because of symptoms or just because you are pregnant?

If you are self isolating because of symptoms then let you practice know and postpone the appointment.

If you are self isolating because you are pregnant then go and get your flu jab, it is still important! Just take what precautions you can. Arrive on time for the appointment so you don't have to wait long, don't sit too close to anyone and use the hand sanitiser on the way in.

@Sarahlouise86 due to being pregnant and okay thank you for your advice, everything is so stressful at the moment and it's so hard to know what to do for the best!

@Bellsx you should still go - being pregnant you do not need to be self isolating but do need to be social distancing - slightly different. I had bloods with the midwife today and it’s considered essential contact so of course I went because it’s for my pregnancy. I’ve also been for a long walk today too. You should go and get your jab it’s important for pregnant women.

@bellsx I know it is, I'm 19 weeks and I'm the same boat as you. I've got my whooping cough vaccine next week but will still be going because it's important. Same as all of the rest of my antenatal appointments.

I'm working from home but just taking precautions when I'm out and about. I'm taking the view that it's about trying to minimise my social contact but I'm not isolating myself completely. Especially as my husband is self employed so has to go to work while he can, if I catch if from anyone it will be him!

I would actually want to clarify that you needed it tbh. Optimum time for a flu jab is October/November and we are halfway through March so not just a little bit outside the time.

@Prettylittlelady okay thank you. There's so much conflicting advice out there at the moment that you don't know what to believe or not, pregnancy is such an anxious time anyway and now having this coronavirus on top is definitely not helping the situation 😢

@Bellsx I know it’s just added even more worry, the midwife that did my bloods this morning said that some appointments will be phone appointments like 18 week midwife now but our scans and bloods are essential appointments, it must be the same for all jabs too x

Absolutely get your flu jab ! We are currently seeing what a vaccine free world can look like. No herd immunity and the most vulnerable at risk. We know the flu can make pregnant women incredibly sick and can cause lots of complications. You don't want to have the flu and coronavirus. So at least you know you and your baby will be protected from the flu over the next few months. Even though it is the end of March, the flu is still around so I believe it's better to be safe and protected.

@Sarahlouise86 my anxiety is through the roof pregnancy is an anxious enough time as it is let alone having to cope with this now on top 😢 There's so much conflicting advice out there at the moment I don't know what to believe and what guidelines we should be following, I was thinking that we have to stay inside but if you say as long as we keep our distance then we should be fine I might go with that. Would just like some more concrete information really about what the actual risks to pregnant women and their babies are but I guess it's just a waiting game isn't it and I'm sure you are all feeling the same. My husband is also still going to work at the moment but I have kept my daughter off school, such a difficult time.

@Prettylittlelady ah okay were all in the same boat aren't we so it's just a sit and wait situation. We have our 20 week scan in just over 2 weeks so that's good to hear that they are still going ahead as normal, I guess they are just trying to protect us as much as they can which is comforting to know just not an ideal situation is it.

@nameisnotimportant thank you for your opinion and advice it's good to have you ladies around to ask what you would do.

@Bellsx I can't even imagine how anxious you are feeling! I was anxious throughout my pregnancies without all this going on
Practice social distancing, don't hug or kiss anyone, stand a metre apart and don't be afraid to check if people are sick before you come into contact with them, especially if they are coming round to your house. Get outside in the fresh air and wash wash wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Also when the anxiety builds up have some breaks from the news and social media and try and do something that you enjoy to take your mind off it.

@nameisnotimportant are you pregnant? I really don't want to be stuck indoors so will try and get out if I can but will definitely be keeping my distance and I've always been VERY ocd about handwashing, cleanliness etc so that won't be a problem it's just other people you have to worry about isn't it.

@Bellsx no not anymore, I have a six month old baby and a toddler who likes to lick every surface when we're out 😩