Air pollution during pregnancy can have a variety of health consequences for both the mother and the growing child, but it is not directly linked to an increased risk of catching the flu (influenza). Air pollution, namely fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants has been linked to a variety of negative health consequences, including respiratory disorders, cardiovascular issues, and bad birth outcomes like preterm birth and low birth weight.
A new study finds that exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs) during pregnancy increases the risk of respiratory virus infection. According to the researchers, it is critical to provide immunizations and preventive measures limiting UFP exposure to pregnant women in urban areas where influenza and UFPs are more widespread in order to preserve maternal health.
Women are more vulnerable to severe respiratory infections caused by a variety of viruses during pregnancy, including influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, influenza affects pregnant women disproportionately, resulting in a more than 10-fold increase in hospitalization risk.
A new study conducted by Dr. Natalie Johnson, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Texas A&M University School of Public Health, finds that exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs) during pregnancy increases the risk of respiratory virus infection. The study’s findings were recently published in Particle and Fibre Toxicology.
Air pollution is a pervasive environmental health issue. To reduce adverse health effects, strategies to protect the most vulnerable, such as pregnant women, are of high priority.
Dr. Natalie Johnson
“We know that air pollution affects the pulmonary immune system, making individuals more susceptible to viral infections,” Johnson explained. “We also know that pregnant women are already at a higher risk of severe flu. Surprisingly, no research has looked into the combined consequences of pregnancy, air pollution, and influenza. Our findings highlight the importance of future research into these relationships in order to minimize short-term and maybe long-term effects on maternal health.”
Johnson and her co-authors note out in the study that there are various physiological factors that explain maternal sensitivity to viral infection. Increased cardiac output and decreased tidal volume (the quantity of air that travels in or out of the lungs with each respiratory cycle), as well as immunological alterations such as selective modulation of immune cell subsets to protect the growing baby, are among them.
The research team also highlights that vaccination compliance during pregnancy is generally below 50 percent, despite vaccination against influenza being safe and effective, leading to an increased risk for developing respiratory infection.
As a result, air pollution, which is a worldwide environmental health issue, is responsible for one in nine deaths with an annual premature mortality of more than 7 million. A mixture of gases and tiny airborne particulate matter, which is categorized as UFPs, are critical to recognize and identify, especially to protect vulnerable populations.
According to the study’s findings, future clinical and regulatory initiatives for protecting pregnant women and regulating UFPs are warranted. According to the researchers, it is critical to provide immunizations and preventive measures limiting UFP exposure to pregnant women in urban areas where influenza and UFPs are more widespread in order to preserve maternal health.
“Air pollution is a pervasive environmental health issue,” stated Johnson. “To reduce adverse health effects, strategies to protect the most vulnerable, such as pregnant women, are of high priority.”
