Social

Home page

Social

Azerbaijan's Health Ministry urges pregnant women to get vaccinated against flu

18 February 2025 12:35 (UTC +04:00)

Sufficiently effective and safe vaccines against influenza have been imported to out country through the Ministry of Health and distributed to medical institutions providing outpatient and polyclinic care. Individuals wishing to be vaccinated against the influenza can apply to state medical institutions providing outpatient and polyclinic services in their area of residence or workplace, the specialist-expert of the Ministry of Health, infectious diseases specialist Tayyar Eyvazov told APA.

So, what are the non-specific ways to protect against seasonal viruses?

The expert mentioned that these include wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and following respiratory and hand hygiene.

Who is included in the risk group for acute respiratory infections?

"Along with young children, individuals with congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies, including HIV infection, severe chronic respiratory and other organ diseases, genetic and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, those suffering from obesity, as well as pregnant women and elderly individuals, are included in the risk group for severe progression and complications of the disease," the infectious disease specialist noted.

Vaccination against the influenza for pregnant women is very important

According to him, the immunity of pregnant women weakens due to hormonal changes in the body associated with pregnancy: "Therefore, the risk of infection for pregnant women is higher, and viral infections may be more severe for them. Getting the flu during pregnancy is dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. The most severe complications are miscarriage and preterm birth. Even if the mother's illness is mild, the fetus may develop malformations, severe damage to many organs, and sometimes intrauterine death. To prevent these outcomes, it is crucial for pregnant women to get vaccinated against the influenza."

What complications can flu and other acute respiratory infections cause?

The Ministry's expert-infectious disease specialist stated that individuals in the risk group can experience complications such as pneumonia, middle ear inflammation, meningitis and encephalitis, myocarditis, and false croup in children under 3 years old and other complications: "Flu and acute respiratory viral infections are mainly spread through droplets and are more common in places where there are many interactions between people. Additionally, those in service sectors, transport workers, employees of educational institutions, pregnant women, schoolchildren, immunodeficient individuals, and others are at higher risk of infection."