Health and Wellness  

H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Pregnancy

newborn baby and mother  

There are many questions surrounding H1N1 (swine) flu. Banner Health offers some answers for women who are expecting:

What if I get this new virus and I am pregnant?
We don’t know if this virus will cause pregnant women to have a
greater chance of getting sick or have serious problems. We also do
not know how this virus will affect the baby.

We do know that pregnant women are more likely to get sick than
others and have more serious problems with seasonal flu. These
problems may include early labor or severe pneumonia. We don’t
know if this virus will do the same, but it should be taken seriously.

What can I do to protect myself, my baby and my family?
Take these everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs and
protect your health:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
    sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially
    after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based gel hand cleaners are
    also good to use.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are
    pregnant and you live or have close contact with someone who
    has H1N1 flu, talk to your doctor about how to prevent flu.
  • Have a plan to care for sick family members.
    • Stock up on household, health, and emergency supplies, such as water, Tylenol®, non-perishable foods.

What are the symptoms of H1N1?
Symptoms are like seasonal flu and include the following:

  • Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and
    fatigue. Sometimes, it can also include diarrhea and vomiting.

What should I do if I get sick?

  • If there is H1N1 flu in your community, pay extra attention to
    your body and how you are feeling.
  • If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home, limit contact
    with others, and call your doctor. Your doctor will decide if
    testing or treatment is needed. Tests may include a nasal swab
    which is best to do within the first 4-5 days of getting sick. Like
    regular flu, H1N1 flu may make other medical problems worse.
  • If you are alone at any time, have someone check in with you
    often if you are feeling ill.
  • If you have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu or is
    being treated for exposure to H1N1 flu, contact your doctor to
    discuss potential treatment to reduce your chances of the flu.
    How is H1N1 flu treated?
  • Treat any fever right away. Tylenol® (acetaminophen) is the best
    treatment of fever in pregnancy.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when sick.
  • Your doctor will decide if you need antiviral drugs such as
    Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir). Antiviral drugs
    are prescription pills, liquids or inhalers that fight the flu by
    keeping germs from growing in your body. These medicines can make you feel better faster and make your symptoms milder.
  • These medicines work best when started soon after symptoms
    begin (within 2 days), but they may also be given to very sick or
    high risk people (like pregnant women) even after 48 hours.
    Antiviral treatment is taken for 5 days.
  • Tamiflu® and Relenza® are also used to prevent H1N1 flu and
    are taken for 10 days.
  • There is little information about the effect of antiviral drugs in
    pregnant women or their babies, but no serious side effects have been reported. If you do think you have had a side effect to
    antiviral drugs, call your doctor right away.

When should I get emergency medical care?

Seek emergency medical care right immediately if you have any
one or more than one of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Confusion
  • A high fever that is not responding to Tylenol®
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Decreased or no movement of your baby
  • Sudden dizziness

Wash your hands often to help protect from germs

  • When washing with soap and water: Use warm water and wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
  • When using alcohol-based gel hand cleaner: Don’t add water and rub the gel on your hands until dry.
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