Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
Pregnant women are at higher riskto get the flu and to have severe complications
• Preterm labor• Severe pneumonia• Fetal distress• Maternal death
Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
Symptoms of the H1N1 Virus
• Fever/chills• Cough• Sore throat• Nasal congestion• Headache and/or body aches• Vomiting and diarrhea reported in some cases
Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
Prevention
• Get a flu shot• Stay away from crowds• Wash your hands often with soap and water • Isolate self from family members
with influenza
Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
Treatment
• Call your doctor• Take acetaminophen to reduce fever• Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration• Take prescribed flu medications as directed
Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
Breastfeeding
• The best thing you can do to protect your baby fromH1N1 is to start or continue to breastfeed
• Breast milk has antibodies in it that help the baby fight disease
• Start breastfeeding after delivery and feed frequently to protect your baby
• Do not stop breastfeeding if you or the baby are ill