Pregnancy: Swine Flu and the H1N1 Vaccine (cont.)
In this Article
- Pregnancy and H1N1 influenza (swine flu) introduction
- What if I am pregnant and I get 2009 H1N1?
- What can I do to protect myself, my baby and my family?
- Is it safe for pregnant women to get a flu shot?
- What are the symptoms of seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu?
- What should I do if I get sick?
- How is 2009 H1N1 flu treated?
- When should I get emergency medical care?
- Why does CDC advise pregnant women to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza (flu) vaccine (shot)?
- Will the seasonal flu shot also protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu?
- Are there flu vaccines that pregnant women should not get?
- Can the seasonal flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot be given at the same time?
- Is the 2009 H1N1 flu shot safe for pregnant women?
- What are the possible side effects of the 2009 H1N1 flu shots?
- What about the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine?
- What about breastfeeding and the H1N1 influenza and vaccinations?
- Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
What are the symptoms of seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu?
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever*
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting
*It's important to note that some people with flu will not have a fever.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home, stay away from others, and call your doctor right away. If needed, he or she will prescribe an antiviral medicine that treats the flu. Have someone check in with you often if you are feeling ill. This is always a good idea.
How is 2009 H1N1 flu treated?
- 2009 H1N1 flu is treated with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu® (oseltamivir)
or Relenza® (zanamivir). Antiviral drugs are prescription pills, liquids or an
inhaled powder that fight against the flu by keeping the germs from growing in
your body. These medicines work best if they are taken as soon as you have
symptoms of the flu. For that reason, it is important that you call your doctor
as soon as you notice flu-like symptoms.
- If your doctor prescribes an antiviral to treat your flu, you will need to
take it for 5 days. The medicine can make you get better faster and make your
symptoms milder.
- At this time, there have been no reports to show harm to the pregnant woman
or her unborn baby. Flu can cause serious illness and even death in pregnant
women. Taking antiviral medicine can help prevent these severe outcomes.
- Antiviral medicines can be taken at any stage during pregnancy.
- Treat any fever right away. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is best for a pregnant
woman to use to reduce a fever.
- Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when you are sick.
- If you have had close contact with someone who is sick with the flu, your
doctor may prescribe Tamiflu® or Relenza® to help prevent 2009 H1N1 flu. To
prevent flu, you would take a lower dose of the medicine for 10 days.
- Antiviral medicines can be taken at any stage during pregnancy.
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Pregnancy: Swine Flu and the H1N1 Vaccine - Experience
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