Pregnancy and H1N1 Flu Virus
If you are an expectant mother, it’s natural to be concerned about your pregnancy and the H1N1 Flu Virus and how the flu pandemic might affect your pregnancy and your unborn child.
You will be happy to know that pregnant women are not more likely to get the flu, but if they do catch the H1N1 flu virus, they are more likely to suffer complications, like pneumonia and severe respiratory distress, which can put both mother and baby’s health at risk. Severe complications from the flu could lead to early delivery or miscarriage.
You always want to practice basic infection control, always cough or sneeze in your arm or shoulder area, never in your hand. Make sure that you wash yours hands with soap and warm water or use a good hand sanitizer.
Although you are going to be more tired now that you are pregnant pay special attention to keeping common areas and items clean. Continue to perform your regular routine but if you start feeling sick stay home. If you feel like you have flu-like symptoms go see your doctor.
It’s very crucial for pregnant women and family and friends around them to follow these suggestions to help reduce the risk of H1N1 exposure. By following these suggestions you will decrease the chance that expectant mothers will pick up the virus.
Pregnant women should continue their normal activities like going to work, church services or community events. Precautions should be taken when entering an environment where there are a lot of people in a situation where you have little control over personal contact.
It would be prudent for pregnant women to be even more vigilant with hand washing and carrying a hand sanitizer. Being vigilant will help even more to reduce the risk that pregnant women will pick up the virus in these types of environments. Don’t underestimate the power of nutrition during pregnancy.
Some of the symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus might include but are not limited to: sore throat, coughing, fever comes on quickly, asthmatic type symptoms, and fatigue. Some other symptoms that may occur are vomiting, diarrhea and a high fever may or may not present.
The good news is that pregnant women are not more likely to get the flu. The bad news is that they are more likely to suffer complications that could put their health and the health of their babies at risk if they get the virus. The risk of complications is greater in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
If you do contract the virus, early treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications. It’s very important for pregnant women to talk to their doctor if they develop flu like symptoms.
Hans K Anderson
