Children of mothers who contract the flu or have a prolonged fever while pregnant may have a very slight increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder, a new study suggests.
Children of mothers who contract the flu or have a prolonged fever while pregnant may have a very slight increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder, a new study suggests.
PHILADELPHIA -
A scary new study out there is related to the flu and
autism.
It says that mothers-to-be who experienced flu symptoms had
a higher risk of having a child with early on-set autism.
The University of Pennsylvania's Dr. Mike Cirigliano joined "Good
Day" on Tuesday morning to explain more about what the study found.
"This is one of those things I don't want anyone to panic
about," Dr. Mike said.
Even the study's authors say the risk is very low.
"Look, I'm saying to everyone out there, if you get the flu
and you're pregnant, don't panic. What you need to do, to take home, from this study
is that, one, you should get a flu shot."
"And No. 2, I think it comes down to the fact that we're
learning more about what can cause autism from this," Dr. Mike said. "Because
it might be an immune thing – you know, you get a fever, you're sick when you're
pregnant, it can stimulate the immune system and cause problems with the
developing child. And that may be a clue as to what leads to autism."
Asked again whether pregnant women should get the flu shot, Dr.
Mike's answer: "Yes, yes, yes."
The flu shot is not 100 percent effective – it's more like
50 to 60 percent effective – but "it's better than nothing," he said.
Plus, do you really need to fast before you get your
cholesterol checked? A new study finds that fasting might not be necessary.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:09 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:09:40 GMT
Tuesday was National Waitstaff day across the United States. FOX29's own Jenn Frederick stopped into Bob's in Roxborough Tuesday morning to help serve those who normally serving others.
National Waitstaff Day is celebrated locally at Bob's in Roxborough.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:33:17 GMT
Brides are eager to take the last name of their husband after they tie the knot. Recent studies show that only 18% of women are interested in keeping their maiden names- which is down from a record high
More women are going retro when it comes to their last names after they marry, and taking their husband's surname.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-05-17 10:59:32 GMT
Hurricane Sandy slammed into the coast of New Jersey last October.The beloved shore towns of so many millions were battered.Businesses were destroyed. Homes were demolished. Many tears were shed.But,
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Thursday, May 16 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:45:47 GMT
One of the top football prospects in Pennsylvania is giving up a free ride to college. Hear the reason why, in his own words, he'd rather run into a recording studio than into the end zone.
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Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:58 AM EDT2013-05-15 13:58:24 GMT
It was early in the morning when Kacie and Jenn set out for the Jersey shore - Matoloking to be exact. The mission was to catch Prince Harry's eye - maybe meet and chat with the Prince. Kacie diligently
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