Avoiding the H1N1 Virus and Staying Healthy in Pregnancy

There is a lot of talk about the H1N1 virus and pregnancy. The H1N1 virus has many pregnant women very worried. Prevention of exposure to the H1N1 virus is a key element in staying healthy. Here are some tips on preventing becoming infected with the H1N1 virus:

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid sick people, whether or not it is confirmed H1N1
• Have a plan if you become ill, with the H1N1 virus or other illness
• Keep household supplies like fever reducers (Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc.)

While prevention is a great idea, for some it simply doesn't work due to their lives. If you have other children or work outside of the home, you are at a greater risk of contracting the H1N1 virus. You will want to know some of the signs to look for in yourself and your family.

Signs of Influenza Like Illness

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Chills and fatigue
• Sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting

Just as we’ve seen with seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus or swine flu appears to put pregnant women at a greater risk for serious complications. As of September 2009, pregnant woman accounted for about 6% of the U.S. deaths related to the H1N1 virus. Some of these women have had other chronic conditions. But expectant mothers are naturally more at risk due to several factors. For instance, women in their third trimester are known to have a harder time recovering from respiratory infections.

Vaccination against both H1N1 virus and seasonal flu is recommended for all pregnant women. There is an actual priority list for medications in case of a pandemic such as this. Due to the discordant numbers of pregnant women suffering serious side effects, it is rumored that, when the vaccination is available, they will be at the top of the list, after health care workers.

If you think that you have been exposed to the H1N1 virus, contact your doctor or midwife. You can discuss taking medications that might help prevent you from actually getting sick, even if you were exposed. These antiviral drugs, Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir), are safe to take in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Remember, too, that even the seasonal flu can be very serious for pregnant women. If you find yourself with symptoms, treat your fever and be sure that you stay hydrated. The main risks are preterm labor from dehydration and other serious complications.

_Source:

_{Updated Interim Recommendations for the Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 9/21/09.}