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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:38:47 GMT
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:43:19 GMT
People in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community say they feel more accepted by society than ever before- but they still face discrimination. This information comes from the first-ever survey
People in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community say they feel more accepted by society than ever before- but they still face discrimination. Nike is part of the support effort.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:58:15 GMT
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation? FOX29's Mike Jerrick was out on the patio with some tips from the folks at Balance Chestnut Hill on "Good Day Philadelphia" Tuesday morning.
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:38 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:38:56 GMT
We all complain about the parking authority, but what if you could use your cell phone to report illegally parked cars? Spotsquat is the new app that lets you report illegal park jobs and gives you a
We all complain about the parking authority, but what if you could use your cell phone to report illegally parked cars?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:26 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:26:23 GMT
Around 70% of American workers aren't reaching their full potential. Its hurting companies' bottom lines in the process, according to a Gallup report. Less than a third of workers were actively engaged
Around 70% of American workers aren't reaching their full potential.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:26 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:26:02 GMT
Summer is full of opportunities to grill and have a barbeque. With the gathering come pasta salad, burgers, and other grilled foods. But, are our favorite fixings low in calories? Karen Hepp was
FOX's Karen Hepp was on the patio during "Good Day Philadelphia" Tuesday morning with reasons why you should think twice at your next backyard barbeque!
Monday, June 17 2013 9:19 AM EDT2013-06-17 13:19:02 GMT
There's something fishy going on at a new Applebee's in Coney Island. As it turns out, there are a few fish that have bigger appetites than the people who go there to eat! A black tip shark had to be
There's something fishy going on at a new Applebee's in Coney Island.
Friday, June 14 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-06-14 15:13:48 GMT
They don't call it MEN-opause for nothing. All those hot flashes and mood swings are brought on by men, according to a new study. It suggests that a man's wandering eye is to blame for the middle-age
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:22 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:22:38 GMT
10 year old Sarah Murnaghan, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, received a double lung transplant from an adult donor Wednesday. Her survival depended on this procedure, and now here road to recovery is
FOX29's Karen Hepp and Mike Jerrick were joined by Kathi Clapham on "Good Day Philadelphia" Thursday morning, when she shared her connection with Cystic Fibrosis and talked about Sarah.
Thursday, June 13 2013 10:40 AM EDT2013-06-13 14:40:51 GMT
Little Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday afternoon! The surgery lasted six hours. Doctors say that their goal is to have her breathing on her own in the next 48 hours. To
Little Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday afternoon, and Dr. Mike was live with all the details on "Good Day Philadelphia" Thursday.
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