H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Virus and Vaccine Information for Pregnant Women
The H1N1
flu virus is contagious. Similar to
the seasonal flu, it can spread from human to
human by breathing in droplets from coughs or
sneezes, or by touching a surface that has the
virus on it then touching one's own mouth,
nose or eyes. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) is concerned that the new
H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly
severe flu season this year. A vaccine
for the H1N1 virus will be available in October
2009.
Pregnant women with seasonal flu are at increased
risk for complications like early labor or
severe pneumonia. Therefore, the H1N1 flu should
also be taken very seriously.
The following information reviews what the swine
flu is and how it may affect pregnant women.
What is the H1N1 (Swine flu) virus?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu")
is a new influenza
virus. This new virus was first detected in
people in the United States in April 2009. This
virus is spreading
from person-to-person worldwide, probably in
much the same
way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
On June 11, 2009,
the World
Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a
pandemic
of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.
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What if I get the H1N1 virus and I am pregnant?
Pregnant women with seasonal flu are at an increased
risk
for complications including early labor, severe
pneumonia
or even death. Therefore, the H1N1 virus should
be taken
very seriously. Pregnant women who are vaccinated
may potentially provide protection to infants
who are
too young to be vaccinated. For the latest information
about the H1N1 flu specific to pregnancy, log
on to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/pregnancy.
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Who should receive an H1N1 flu vaccination?
The following people should receive the H1N1
flu vaccination:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and
caregivers for children
younger than 6 months of age (infants under
6 months
cannot be vaccinated)
- Health care and
emergency medical services personnel
- All
people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- People
age 25 through 64 who have health conditions
associated with higher risk of medical complications
from influenza. Current studies indicate that
the risk for infection among
people age 65 and older is less than the risk
for younger
age groups.
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Does the seasonal flu vaccine also cover
the H1N1 flu strain?
The seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide
protection
against the H1N1 influenza. An H1N1 vaccine is
currently
in production and will be ready for the public
by fall 2009.
The H1N1 vaccine does not replace the seasonal
flu
vaccine — it should be used in combination
with the
seasonal flu vaccine.
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What are the symptoms of the H1N1 virus?
Symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu and
include the following:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Cough
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Chills and fatigue
- Sometimes, diarrhea
and vomiting
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How can I protect myself from the H1N1 virus?
- Cover
your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often
with soap and water. Alcohol-based
hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs
spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact
with sick people.
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What do I do if I become ill?
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay
home, limit
contact with others, and call your doctor. The
CDC
recommends that you stay home for at least 24
hours after
your fever is gone. For many, the H1N1 virus
can be treated
at home with fever reducers (e.g. Tylenol®),
increased fluid
intake, or antiviral drugs (e.g. Tamiflu® and
Relenza®). Your
doctor will determine what testing or treatment
options are
needed.
If you have any of these signs, seek emergency
medical
care right away:
- Difficulty breathing or
shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure
in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Decreased
or no movement of your baby (if pregnant)
- A
high fever that is not responding to fever-reducing
drugs
Please contact your health care provider for
more
information or visit the CDC's website for the
most
current H1N1 recommendations at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
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