H1N1 Pandemic Flu Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women have been advised to be vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 pandemic flu to be fully protected. Both vaccinations should be given as soon as they become available.

The seasonal flu vaccinations, which were given to millions of pregnant women in previous years, have not been shown to cause harm to them or their babies. The H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine is manufactured in an identical manner to all previous flu vaccinations.

If a pregnant woman has flu symptoms, or if she has had close contact with someone who has the flu, a consultation with a physician should be sought immediately. Any prescribed medicine is most helpful if it is started soon after the pregnant woman becomes sick. Pregnant women who become sick with pandemic H1N1 are at risk of serious health problems such as severe pneumonia, early labor, and even death.

Symptoms of all types of influenza include some or all of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and even sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Some people with the flu, however, do not have fever.

Caregivers of babies younger than 6 months of age should be vaccinated against both seasonal and pandemic flu. This includes the mother and any family members or other people who will be caring for these babies.

To prevent the spread of influenza viruses, close contact with people who are ill should be avoided, appropriate precautions need to be taken when sneezing or coughing, and hands should be washed frequently with soap and water.

Emergency medical care for a pregnant woman suffering from H1N1 flu is necessary if the following symptoms are present--difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; a high fever that does not respond to the antipyretic drug acetaminophen (paracetamol); or if there is decreased or no movement of the fetus. Once the baby is born, the mother may breastfeed if possible.

The information for pregnant women was provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, GA; USA) on October 6, 2009.

Related Links:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention