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 5:56 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:56:18 GMT
Becoming a parent can be a miraculous and a little scary at the same time. So, all of you mom and dads-to-be, listen carefully! A new website can make your hectic life with a baby a little easier. "Weespring"
Becoming a parent can be a miraculous and a little scary at the same time- listen up moms and dads-to-be!
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:37:01 GMT
The best confidence boosters for women are the ones without a price tag! A study done by the "Ready To Glow" campaign says that simple things like a smile from a stranger or being told "I love you" makes
The best confidence boosters for women are the ones without a price tag!
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:47:57 GMT
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
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
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:19 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:19:02 GMT
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and out Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and our Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
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!
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:19:58 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:59 GMT
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
