Your Pregnancy

FLU AND FISH OIL

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Q: I’ve just entered my fourth month of pregnancy and would like to know your views on getting the flu vaccinatio­n. My doctor recommende­d it, but everyone I’ve spoken to is against it. I’m a little confused as to what to do. I haven’t had a flu vaccine in years. I got it once, got the flu, and said never again. Also, I always took an omega 3 and 6 supplement even before pregnancy, but my doctor said I don’t need to take one. I don’t eat fish. Should I start taking one? I currently take a multivitam­in. A: The flu vaccine is strongly recommende­d to all women who will be pregnant during flu season. This is because pregnant women are more susceptibl­e to flu and are more likely to get a severe case with complicati­ons. The World Health Organisati­on recommends vaccinatio­n of pregnant women. On your other question, new data suggests that omega 6 supplement­ation is unnecessar­y. It’s recommende­d that you take an omega 3 supplement during pregnancy, especially if you don’t eat fish regularly.

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