Study says flu during pregnancy increases odds of child with autism
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Posted: 11/12/2012
CLEVELAND - Autism is estimated to affect 1 out of every 88 children born in the U.S. Now a new study says that having a fever or the flu for a week during pregnancy doubles the chances of a child being born with the disease.
Danish researchers said it's possible that activation of a mother's immune system - caused by the flu virus - could affect a fetus' developing brain.
Researchers caution that the new findings are early and should encourage future research.
They also say that women should not panic but take regular precautions, including getting a flu shot.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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