From The Metro:
Pregnant mothers who get flu have an increased chance of their child contracting schizophrenia, a new study has found. The research has prompted calls for mums-to-be to ensure they have their flu jabs to protect the health of their unborn child. Researchers spotted the link between the flu and schizophrenia by doing laboratory tests on monkeys. Twelve pregnant monkeys were given flu. Their babies were then given MRI scans when they were one-year-old and the results showed signs of schizophrenia. The study, published online by the journal Biological Psychiatry, is the first study of its kind.
Dr Sarah Short of the University of Wisconsin, who led the study, said: 'Pregnant women should get flu shots, before they get sick. This was a relatively mild flu infection but it had a significant effect on the brains of the babies. The brain changes that we found in the monkey babies are similar to what we typically see in MRI scans of humans with schizophrenia.' She added: 'Normally that risk affects about one of every 100 births. Studies in humans suggest that for flu-exposed babies, the risk is two or three per 100 births.'
Oh Dear
1 hour ago
2 comments:
Hmmm. I wonder if anyone's done any studies as to whether the flu jab has the same effect?
AC, apparently the 'flu jab has no (positive) effect so the chances are it has no negative effects either. The best plan is to eat healthy and not get the 'flu while pregnant and apart from that not worry too much.
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