I had the flu shot in both pregnancies. It's perfectly safe according to my doctors (one of them a friend from playgroup who I trust immensely) and my OB. And with the horrid strains doing the rounds at the moment, I wouldn't think twice about if I were pregnant now.

A friend of ours has just been released from hospital after a week in ICU with Influenza A and pneumonia. Another friend feared for her 8 year olds life last month as he was severely ill with what turned out to be influenza A too and turned into pneumonia too. He was at the children's hospital twice.

Another Perth lady was on the news here just this week on life support with Influenza A. She's had her foot and several fingers amputated already and they're not sure she'll survive.

A close friend has the flu now too and her doctor insisted her hubby and her 18 month old get the flu shot the day she was diagnosed (yesterday) as she said its just far too risky this season.

Yes, it's a nasty, horrid flu this season and I'd be doing anything possible to avoid it. Sorry for the rant but I can't believe how bad it is this year. It's frightening.